Trends of Temperature Extreme Indices over Arusha and Kilimanjaro Regions in Tanzania

Lovina Peter Japheth,Leila Francis Muhoma,Agnes Lawrence Kijazi,Elisia Hamisi Zobanya,Jafari Swalehe Chobo,Meshack Anton Mliwa,Ladislaus Benedict Chang’A

doi:10.4236/acs.2021.113031

Abstract

The study aimed at analyzing the trends and variability of temperature extremes over the northeastern highlands in Tanzania, specifically over Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions. Quality controlled mean monthly, daily maximum and minimum temperature data for the period 1961 to 2020, obtained from Tanzania Meteorological Authority, were used in the study. Rclimdex and the National Climate Monitoring Products (NMCP) software, developed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), were used for computation of the indices at a monthly, seasonal and annual time scale. The computed indices were also subjected to trend analysis to determine their direction and magnitude of change. Extraction and assessment of the top five highest and lowest maximum and minimum temperatures were also done. Increasing trends of temperature anomalies for seasonal and annual timescales were observed for both Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions. Also, the increasing trends of warm and extreme warm days and nights and relatively increasing trends of cold and extreme cold days and nights were observed for both regions. The highest ever recorded temperatures since the establishment of the two stations were 36.3?C observed on 16th February 2011 and 38.6?C observed on 22nd February 2005 for Arusha and Kilimanjaro respectively. These results indicate that The last two decades have been characterized by enhanced warming, which is consistent with overall global temperature trend patterns as depicted in recent IPCC reports and the report of the State of Climate in Africa.

Highlights

Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [1] [2] [3] [4] have highlighted the increasing threat posed by climate change and climate variability to human and natural systems across the globe
The highest ever recorded temperatures since the establishment of the two stations were 36.3 ̊C observed on 16th February 2011 and 38.6 ̊C observed on 22nd February 2005 for Arusha and Kilimanjaro respectively. These results indicate that The last two decades have been characterized by enhanced warming, which is consistent with overall global temperature trend patterns as depicted in recent IPCC reports and the report of the State of Climate in Africa
RClimdex and NMCP softwares were used for the computation of the climate extreme Indices, adopting a similar approach as used by Expert Team on Climate Change Detection Indices (ETCCDI) and Expert Team on National Climate Monitoring Products (NCMPs) [18]

Summary

Introduction

Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [1] [2] [3] [4] have highlighted the increasing threat posed by climate change and climate variability to human and natural systems across the globe. Increasing frequency and intensity of climate extremes are exerting more pressure on human and natural systems and significantly affecting socio-economic development of most African countries including Tanzania, in traditional rain-fed agriculture, pastoralism and water resources [10]. Extreme events, such as floods and droughts, are causing major human and environmental impacts and disruptions of various socio-economic development strategies and plans of most African countries including Tanzania [11]. As well as projected increase in frequency and amplitude of extreme climate events in most parts of the country, the Central and Northern Zones, and resulting in long-term impacts on the agricultural and other vulnerable sectors [12] [13] [14] [15] [16]

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Methods

Results

Conclusion