Abstract
In the Indian Subcontinent, droughts occur generally due to delayed arrival or early retreat of the south-west monsoon associated with poor precipitation. However, initiation and intensification of droughts may also result from heat waves. With an arid to semi-arid climate, the Gujarat State of India experiences seasonal temperature variations and frequent heat waves during summer and inconsistent rainfall during the rainy (monsoon) season, resulting in recurrent droughts. In the present study, ground data of rainfall and temperature were used to assess meteorological drought in Gujarat during 1981–2010. Geographical information systems (GIS)-based analysis revealed an association between rainfall deficit and heat waves, and an indirect influence of heat waves and temperature extremes on drought development and intensification. The study indicates a relationship between climate extremes and climate change. It also points to the fact that, in certain years, local factors are more influential than global factors such as El Nino and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO) for drought occurrence and non-occurrence in Gujarat.
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