Observed trends and coherent changes in daily rainfall extremes over Greater Mumbai, 1985–2020

Abstract

Climate extremes are predicted to become more frequent and severe in the future, owing to rising greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. Using appropriate trend indices, this study intends to analyze the effects of climate change on rainfall variability and extreme rainfall events in the millennium city of Mumbai. The analysis was carried out for the period 1985–2020 for 2 stations and 23 stations were selected (2006–2020) later from the dense rain gauge network of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). To comprehend the trend and behaviour of rainfall and extreme events, three statistical models were used: Mann–Kendall test, Sen’s slope estimator, and simple linear regression; for abrupt change point detection, Pettitt’s test, standard normal homogeneity test, Buishand’s range test, and von Neumann ratio test were used. The results indicated that average annual rainfall in the study area is 2208.82 mm which is increasing at the rate of 5.18 mm/year (at 99% confidence level). The frequency of heavy (> 120 mm/day) and extreme heavy rainfall events (250 mm/day) increased over Santacruz after 1994 and in the case of Colaba, it increased after 2005. The examination of rainfall and temperature data series for abrupt change point identification suggests that several change points exist, with the highest change points occurring between 2001 and 2005. Extreme climate event scenarios shown here could have large-scale negative consequences for the ecosystem and ecological resources of the study area.