Changes In Weather Patterns Research Articles

Perception of Chickpea Growers towards Climate Change in Bemetara District of Chhattisgarh, India

Climate change is the global phenomenon of climate transformation characterized by the changes in the usual climate of the planet regarding temperature, rainfall and wind) that are especially caused by human activities. Various detrimental effects have been recorded due to changes in weather patterns. The research explores the perception of chickpea growers towards climate change in Bemetara District of C.G. The study reveals that majority of chickpea growers exhibit a medium level of perception. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve respondents’ perception and equipping them with necessary tools to manage the risk posed by climate variability.

“What a Winter it Was”: The 1257 Samalas Eruption and the Fall of the Icelandic Commonwealth

ABSTRACT In 1257, the Samalas volcano on Lombok Island in Indonesia produced one of the largest explosive eruptions since the end of the last ice age, changing weather patterns on a global scale and resulting in several years of cooling in many parts of the world. This article discusses the Samalas eruption and its effects in Iceland, with harsh conditions across the country in 1258–1261 leading to hardships and scarcity. It is maintained that these environmental conditions and the poverty that ensued are among the reasons the Icelandic Commonwealth submitted to Norwegian rule with the signing of the Old Covenant in 1262. The purpose of the treaty’s shipping clause – which stipulated six ships were to sail between Norway and Iceland during the following two summers – was to ensure imported provisions would reach the Icelandic people, who needed help. The conclusion provides further support for the opinion that the manuscripts of the Old Covenant, which are from the fifteenth and sixteenth century, are rooted in the middle of the thirteenth century, but are not a fabrication from the fifteenth century, as has been previously suggested.

Pacific Water Security and Drought. Fostering Traditional Knowledge Concerns in the South Pacific amidst a Climate Crisis

The Pacific region faces increasing challenges of water security and drought due to a current and irreversible climate crisis. This paper examines the impacts of rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and extreme weather events on freshwater resources across Pacific Island communities. These challenges are exacerbating water scarcity and threatening the basic needs of these vulnerable populations. Traditional knowledge and community-based adaptation strategies have long played a vital role in mitigating water-related risks. However, the severity of the current climate crisis demands an integrative approach that combines scientific research, policy action, and traditional ecological knowledge. This study explores how the integration of Indigenous practices with modern scientific approaches can enhance resilience to drought and freshwater scarcity. It underscores the importance of traditional knowledge systems in sustainable water management, while also recognizing the need for greater focus on how Pacific communities experience climate impacts and respond through local community-based adaptation. By combining local knowledge with scientific data, it is possible to develop culturally appropriate, adaptive water management strategies. This approach aims to build long-term resilience in the Pacific, ensuring communities' access to clean water and safeguarding their overall well-being.

Geospatial Analysis of Climate Change Impacts on Vegetation Dynamics in Owerri West, Imo State

Climate change is a global phenomenon with profound effects on the environment, economies, and societies. It refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time. This study explores the impact of climate change on vegetation in Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria, using geospatial techniques over a 20-year period (2003–2023). By analyzing satellite imagery and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values alongside key climatic variables such as precipitation and land surface temperature (LST), the research seeks to quantify the extent of vegetation changes due to climate variability. The study uses Landsat 8 satellite data to evaluate spatiotemporal trends in vegetation health. NDVI values in 2003 ranged from a high of 0.45, indicating healthy and dense vegetation, to a low of -0.04, representing barren areas. By 2013, NDVI values had drastically declined, with a maximum of 0.12 and a minimum of -0.33, despite an increase in precipitation from 3300 mm (2003) to 3900 mm (2013). This decline suggests that other factors, such as extreme weather events or urbanization, contributed to vegetation stress. In 2023, NDVI values showed partial recovery, with a maximum of 0.28 and a minimum of 0.05, although precipitation levels dropped to a range of 600 mm to 540 mm. The broader temperature range in 2023, with a maximum of 32°C and a minimum of 17°C, likely reduced heat stress, allowing for vegetation recovery, though still below the 2003 levels, The findings highlight the complex interplay between climatic variables and vegetation health, where precipitation and temperature changes significantly influence vegetation dynamics. However, the NDVI decline in 2013, despite high precipitation, suggests that anthropogenic factors like urbanization and land use changes also play a critical role. This research emphasizes the importance of integrating remote sensing and GIS for monitoring vegetation responses to climate change. The study calls for sustainable land management practices and climate adaptation strategies to enhance vegetation resilience in the region.

Aware and In Denial: Ali Smith’s Seasonal Quartet as Climate Fiction

With each of its four books named after a season, Ali Smith’s Seasonal Quartet (2016–20) is structured according to life’s cyclical time patterns. As with all of Smith’s fiction, these novels are characterised by metamorphosis and transition. The Seasonal Quartet, however, also registers a sense of loss, as when one of the characters in Autumn laments the time “[w]hen we still had seasons, not just the monoseason we have now.” In this paper, I take up these and other references strewn through the novels and propose to read these four novels as climate fiction. Rather than representing grand-scale destruction and dislocation, however, the Seasonal Quartet registers the minute disruptions of and changes in our everyday lives due to anthropogenic climate change. The narrative form of Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer shows how the conditions of life in the present are affected and altered by climate change, whether it concerns changing weather patterns, migration patterns, and so on. The novels house both characters who are acutely aware of the current crisis, as well as those who remain in denial; as novels, however, they do make visible the effects of humanity having entered the Anthropocene. The Seasonal Quartet, therefore, shows how the radically other of our planet’s ecological and meteorological systems has entered and started to shape human lives. If these novels disclose the loss of the world as we have known it, they also find a more hospitable home in the world of art. In art, there is connection and the potentiality of a new world.

Climate Change Impact on the Stability of Soil Slopes from a Hydrological and Geotechnical Perspective

Climate change (CC) is expected to cause significant changes in weather patterns, leading to extreme phenomena. Specifically, the intensity of precipitation extremes is continuously escalating, even in regions with decreasing average precipitation levels. Given that CC leads to long-term shifts in weather patterns and may affect the precipitation characteristics (i.e., frequency, duration, and intensity) directly related to groundwater table fluctuations and soil erosion phenomena, it has the potential to significantly affect soil slope instabilities. In turn, slope stability and the structural integrity of nearby structures and infrastructure will be affected. Accordingly, the present paper focuses on the impact of CC on the geohazard of soil slope instability by considering both hydrological aspects, i.e., the impact on rainfall intensity on the groundwater table and the geotechnical aspects of this complex problem. The findings reveal that the impact of CC on potential slope instabilities can be detrimental or even beneficial, depending on the specific site and water conditions. Therefore, it is essential to do the following: (a) collect all the available data of the area of interest, (b) assess their variations over time, and (c) examine each potentially unstable slope on a case-by-case basis to properly mitigate this geohazard.

Impacts of changing weather patterns on the dynamics of water pollutants in agricultural catchments: Insights from 11-year high temporal resolution data analysis

Widespread and long-term shifts in weather patterns are contributing to further degradation of surface water quality. This challenge caused by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events requires appropriate adaptation of current mitigation strategies. But to confirm the need to redesign such strategies, an understanding of the impacts of increasing weather extremes on pollutant losses in different catchment types is required. With this in view, this study investigated the impact of changing weather patterns on the inter-seasonal and inter-annual dynamics of nutrient losses in six agricultural catchments in Ireland over 11 years. The high temporal resolution data (10-min) from these intensively managed catchments represented different characteristics and management practices. Mann-Kendall Trend Analysis and Generalised Additive Models were used to study nutrient concentration trends, and to investigate the significance of water discharge, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, soil moisture deficit, air temperature, and soil temperature on the losses of nutrients, respectively. The analysis of historical data revealed changes in the trends of daily average nitrate (NO3-N), phosphorus (P), and suspended sediment (SS) concentrations in association with significant increasing trends in air temperature, soil temperature, and precipitation across the same month over 11 years of monitoring. While discharge was significantly contributing to the concentrations of NO3-N, P, and SS across different catchments, air and soil temperature were significantly correlated to NO3-N losses, and precipitation was the major contributor to regulating P (total P and total reactive P) concentrations. In short, air temperature, soil temperature, soil moisture deficit, and precipitation were the main climatic drivers regulating the nutrient concentrations while the soil chemistry and drainage status were the non-climatically related drivers. The results revealed that the extent of the impact of climatic drivers depends on catchment characteristics. Therefore, expanding the application of this type of study would facilitate better understanding of current and future challenges to water management and provision of climate-resilient mitigation strategies for different catchment typologies.

Formally combining different lines of evidence in extreme-event attribution

Abstract. Event attribution methods are increasingly routinely used to assess the role of climate change in individual weather events. In order to draw robust conclusions about whether changes observed in the real world can be attributed to anthropogenic climate change, it is necessary to analyse trends in observations alongside those in climate models, where the factors driving changes in weather patterns are known. Here we present a quantitative statistical synthesis method, developed over 8 years of conducting rapid probabilistic event attribution studies, to combine quantitative attribution results from multi-model ensembles and other, qualitative, lines of evidence in a single framework to draw quantitative conclusions about the overarching role of human-induced climate change in individual weather events.

Pedals and throttles: Ride‐along experimental journeys with Hanoi's cyclo and motorbike taxi drivers

AbstractIn this article, we analyse the effectiveness of ride‐alongs, a specific mobile method, to better understand the daily realities of informal mobile livelihoods in Hanoi, Vietnam. The field of mobile methods has seen significant advances both within and beyond geography. Yet, there is still an absence of literature comparing the benefits and drawbacks of using a consistent mobile method across different forms of mobility in the same context, such as pedal‐powered versus motorised transport. Additionally, studies specifically addressing the daily experiences of informal cyclo (trishaw) drivers in Vietnam are scarce. Our paper aims to fill these gaps by evaluating the effectiveness of ride‐along interviews in understanding the mobility and livelihood challenges faced by informal cyclo and motorbike taxi (xe ôm) drivers in Hanoi, who navigate the city's dense and chaotic traffic to earn a living. Ride‐alongs provide a unique perspective on the city's informal transportation sector, uncovering new insights into the nuanced micro‐mobilities and rapid decision‐making required of these drivers. Cyclo drivers navigate Hanoi's streets with considerations for tourist appeal, physical exertion, and police avoidance. Meanwhile, xe ôm drivers manoeuvre through alleyways and roads, balancing efficiency, speed, and passenger demands. Both groups are concerned with circumventing often‐corrupt police, managing local traffic conditions, and adapting to changing weather patterns. This comparative study reveals the benefits and insights gained from ride‐along interviews with mobile informal economy workers, highlighting the similarities and differences in the choices and tactics these drivers employ. The method allows for a deeper understanding of how vehicle type, physical demands, and the socio‐political environment shape the split‐second decisions these drivers must make to maintain their livelihoods on Hanoi's streets.

AIR QUALITY IN YEREVAN IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Over the past five years, the atmospheric air quality in Yerevan has continued to deteriorate, primarily attributed to a significant increase in airborne dust, particularly during the hot summer months that coincide with the peak tourist season. This phenomenon reflects a complex interplay among atmospheric emissions, air quality, emission source altitudes, changes in chemical composition, solar radiation, weather patterns, and topographic conditions. Sources of dust pollution in Yerevan include industrial activities, vehicular emissions, road dust, and construction activities. Data from various administrative districts indicate that, over the past five years, concentrations of dust, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide frequently exceed established standards. Additionally, there are unregulated static sources of dust pollution within the city. This study conducts a comparative analysis of the primary pollutants in the context of climate change and urbanization in Yerevan over the last five years. It also assesses green areas and evaluates the effectiveness of greening initiatives, while considering compliance with national legislation in the Republic of Armenia.

Effects of Rainfall Variability on Maize Production in Migori County, Kenya

Maize is the main staple food crop in Kenya and is of vital concern to agricultural policy decisions, food security, and the overall development of the sector and the economy. It is also the dominant staple food crop in Migori-County. However, there has been a declining trend in maize production among farmers in the study area threatening household food security. This study was conducted in Migori County using cross sectional survey research design. A sample size of 384 households was selected through stratified and systematic sampling techniques though just 310 households accepted to be interviewed. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Validated secondary weather data for the period 2011-2023 was obtained from the Migori Meteorological Station. The collected data was entered into SPSS software, version 20, and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results indicated that 60% of households have an adequate food supply, while 40% face food shortages. Further, there was a strong positive and significant relationship between maize production (yield) and annual weather conditions from 2018 to 2023 (r = 0.845, p = 0.05). This indicates that changes in weather patterns, such as rainfall and temperature, had a significant influence on maize yields during the study period. Hence, farmers should be encouraged to use income from cash crops to purchase food stocks and engage in non-farm activities as alternative income sources to mitigate the effects of rainfall variability and climate change on food security.

Adapting to climate change: lessons from Chile’s coastal communities

Purpose This study aims to examine the intricate relationship between Chile’s coastal communities and the increasing effects of climate change, with a focus on Caleta Lenga as a case study. Chile’s extensive coastline is closely linked to the country’s economic well-being and the livelihoods of millions of people. The mounting threats posed by climate change require immediate action. To strengthen resilience and reduce risk, adaptive measures are imperative. However, effective adaptation is hindered by numerous barriers, including adaptive capacity and governance challenges. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a case study approach, which centres on Caleta Lenga’s unique socio-environmental and demographic context. This study used semi-structured interviews and historical reconstruction to reveal a socio-economic and environmental narrative that was influenced by significant events and transitions. Findings The residents’ perception of climate change impacts was viewed through the lens of industrial activities and changing weather patterns. This study emphasizes the community’s resilience in the face of changing socio-environmental dynamics. It highlights the importance of informed decision-making, community cooperation and the preservation of ancestral knowledge in promoting adaptive strategies based on community solidarity and collective decision-making. The findings underscore the need for effective adaptation measures that address both adaptive capacity and governance challenges to bolster climate resilience in vulnerable coastal communities. Originality/value The findings underscore the need for effective adaptation measures that address both adaptive capacity and governance challenges to bolster climate resilience in vulnerable coastal communities.

Predicting future impacts of climate and land use change on streamflow in the middle reaches of China's Yellow River

With increasing temperatures, changing weather patterns and ongoing development, it is becoming increasingly important to clarify the evolution mechanism of future regional streamflow processes and their controlling factors. In this study, an integrated framework for watershed streamflow prediction based on a Global Climate Model (GCM), the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation model (PLUS), and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was proposed in the middle Yellow River. The results indicate that, compared with the baseline period (1989–2018), levels of precipitation and maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to increase in the next 30 years, resulting in a warmer and wetter regional climate. Under various climate scenarios, the annual streamflow is projected to increase by 49.2–115.1%. The acreage of various land types may have tended to be saturated, and the main land types such as cropland, forest and grassland have little change (−6.6%-0.6%), so the impact on streamflow will be correspondingly reduced. Under various land use scenarios, the annual streamflow is projected to increase by 5.0%–7.3%. The annual average streamflow trends under the combined climate and land use scenarios are consistent with the climate change scenarios, while the mean values corresponding to the combined scenarios are higher than those of the single scenario. Findings show that climate change is the main driver influencing streamflow, with a contribution of 86.3%–95.1%. This study deepens understanding of the change pattern and influence mechanism of the streamflow process, which can provide a scientific basis for the development and refinement of regional ecological construction plans.

Models and observations agree on fewer and milder midlatitude cold extremes even over recent decades of rapid Arctic warming.

An apparent increase in observed cold extremes over recent decades in the northern midlatitudes has been reported, in contrast to robust decreases predicted by climate models. This discrepancy has led to suggestions that models fail to accurately simulate changes in weather patterns caused by Arctic warming. Here, we show that the observed frequency and intensity of midlatitude cold extremes have strongly decreased since 1990 and are consistent with modeled trends. The previously reported increase in cold extremes was overestimated due to an artifact of changing data coverage. We also show that the fraction of land with observed cold extreme increases over recent decades is consistent with model internal variability on top of a near-uniform forced reduction in cold extremes across the midlatitudes. Our results provide strong evidence of a decrease in midlatitude cold extremes over recent decades and consistency between models and observations.

Effect of temperature on seasonal wind power and energy potential estimates in Nordic climates

AbstractA major obstacle standing in the way of full‐scale adoption of renewable energy sources is their intermittency and seasonal variability. To better understand the power generation dynamics, the effect of air density due to temperature on power and energy generation figures was modelled. The model uses historical ERA5 data and considers changes in weather patterns in a subarctic climate where seasonal changes are most pronounced. The power generation figures of using a mean and a dynamic air density value were compared and the results show that power generation estimates may be under‐ and overestimated by on average 5% up to 10% in winter and summer, respectively. This can have implications for the sizing of power transmission infrastructure and energy storage in both on‐grid and off‐grid applications as well as power availability. The topic is highly relevant in the Nordic countries where roughly 10% of new global added wind capacity is installed annually.

Indo-Pacific regional extremes aggravated by changes in tropical weather patterns

The Pacific Walker circulation and the closely connected El Niño/Southern Oscillation influence the climate and weather of the tropical Indo-Pacific region. They specifically exert a strong control on the regional occurrence of weather extremes, such as heatwaves, heavy precipitation and prolonged dry spells, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. However, climate models struggle to accurately simulate large-scale circulation changes in the tropics and thus their consequences for regional weather and future climate. Here we use high-resolution ERA5 reanalysis data from 1940 to 2022 to study the occurrence trends of weather patterns in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. We find that new large-scale synoptic situations that were rarely present before the 1990s have emerged in the Indo-Pacific, while some others that were prominent have disappeared. Those new synoptic situations are associated with an unusual proportion of heatwaves and extreme precipitation in the region. These weather patterns are physically consistent with a trend towards a stronger Pacific Walker circulation, wetter and warmer conditions in Southeast Asia and drier conditions in the equatorial Pacific. These changes cannot be fully explained by El Niño/Southern Oscillation and other relevant modes of interannual variability, and other factors such as global warming, aerosol forcing, external forcing mechanisms and nonlinear mode interactions may be contributing.

Weather Influence on Fall Armyworm Infestation in Maize: A Study in Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu, India

Maize, Zea mays L (Family: Poaceae), is a main cereal crop cultivated across diverse agro-climatic regions worldwide. The Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodopterafrugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), migratory insect is notorious for its economic impact, inflicting severe damage on various crops including maize, rice, sorghum, millet, sugarcane, vegetables, and cotton, and has been documented to affect over 80 other plant species. A roving survey was carried out in four major maize growing blocks of Perambalur district viz., Perambalur, Veppanthattai, Alathur and Veppur during Kharif and Rabi season of 2023-2024. The experiment consisted of sixty standard weeks from 3rd July 2023 to 4th August 2024. The results indicated a positive correlation between the number of fall armyworm larvae/plant with Tmax, relative humidity (Evening), and the negative correlation was observed between the number of fall armyworm larvae/plant with Tmin, relative humidity (Morning), Sunshine and rainfall. The data concluded that the maximum temperature significantly influenced the emergence of the fall armyworm and its infestation on maize. The incidence of FAW started in 46th mean standard week MSW (13 larvae/plant) Alathur, (17.25 larvae/plant) Perambalur, (17.25 larvae/plant) Veppanthattai, (18 larvae/plant) Veppur and the population increased gradually and reached the peak in the 47th mean standard week MSW (26 larvae/plant) Alathur, (32.75 larvae/plant) Perambalur, (33 larvae/plant) Veppanthattai, (42 larvae/plant). Correlation analysis revealed that larval population showed a significant positive correlation with the maximum temperature and relative humidity. At the same time, minimum temperature, sunshine, and rainfall exhibited a negative association with larval incidence of S. frugiperda. Propose adaptation strategies for maize farmers in Perambalur to manage fall armyworm infestations in the context of changing weather patterns. This could include adjustments in planting dates, pest monitoring techniques, or integrated pest management approaches.

The weather today rocks or sucks for my tree: exploring the understanding of climate impacts on forests at high school level through tweets

Abstract. With the progression of global warming, impacts on the human sphere will undoubtedly increase. One prominent example at mid-latitudes is the stress on forests caused by climate change, which the BayTreeNet project (https://baytreenet.de/, last access: 30 July 2024) addresses from an interdisciplinary viewpoint. Scientists from physical climatology, dendroecology, and educational research collaborate to examine how long-term changes in weather patterns affect the state of trees, and how the atmosphere–tree relation can be used to the advantage of improving the communication of climate change effects to, in particular, high school students. This article presents a 1-week case study for the summer of 2021, when a distinct variability in weather patterns induced significant tree responses. The students of seven selected partner schools commented on the measured tree and weather data, which were available in real time, in the form of tweets and in conjunction with their educational geography program. The analyses of the tweets reveal that the students succeed in verbalizing the measured weather and, furthermore, manage to draw links between the stem diameter changes in trees and the weather variability. Problems arise with the use of less perceivable variables like the sap flow in the trees; also, the student posts exhibit shortcomings in establishing causal connections. Hence, the case study points to a discrepancy between describing basic environmental information and appreciating or understanding the underlying mechanistic links. This point will serve to refine future classroom concepts and, moreover, to enhance the communication of climate change effects on forests to the general public.

Effects of Changing Weather Patterns on Household Food Availability in Bukiro Sub County Mbarara District

Changing weather patterns and their variables are already negatively impacting food security by damaging crops, reducing yields, and increasing the prevalence of pests and diseases. These pests and diseases contend with crops for sunlight, water, and nutrients, further diminishing agricultural yields and creating issues for crops that were previously unexposed to these threats. Climate-related disruptions in food distribution and transportation, both internationally and domestically, have a substantial impact on not just safety and quality but also access to food. Prolonged dry spells followed by heavy and stormy rains cause interruptions in food production and transportation, reducing farmers' ability to get their grains to market and potentially affecting food prices. This study assessed farmers’ perceptions of effects of changing weather patterns on food security and their coping strategies towards effects of weather changing patterns in smallholder households in Bukiro Sub County, Mbarara District. A sample of 100 smallholder farmers were randomly selected from four parishes of Bukiro sub county and studied using questionnaire and observations. Key informants Interviews were also conducted with nine technical workers and three opinion leaders. Software STAT 26 and Ms excel version 2016 were used to do data analysis. The study found out that changing weather patterns through its variables specifically heavy and stormy rains, late of set of rains, and prolonged dry spells had significant effects on food security. The perceived effects of changing weather patterns established were drying up of water sources (83.8%), decreased land for crop growing (82.4%), reduction in crop yields (77.7%), drying of pastures for animals (67.4%), drying of crops (58.1%), and occurrence of crop and livestock pests and diseases at (56.6%). Also, the perceived weather changing variabilities were late onset of rains (60.1%), prolonged dry spells were responded at 17.6%, and heavy and stormy rains 22.3%. From the study finding farmers clearly perceived that changing weather patterns had negative effects smallholders’ agricultural production systems impacting negatively on food security

The ripple effects of climate change on agricultural sustainability and food security in Africa

AbstractClimate change results in lower agricultural outputs, disruption of food supply chains, and widening of the social gap between poor and rich in developing countries, with more vulnerable groups being pushed into untold poverty. This review aims to investigate the consequences of climate change on food insecurity in Africa in the context of environmental degradation. This review emphasizes the complexity of demands on food security systems due to changing climatic conditions under the four pillars (availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability). This review demonstrated the susceptibility of farm production to changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns generated by climate change. In addition, this review investigated the factors shaping food insecurity, such as increasing population growth, poverty, inadequate early warning systems, and weak agricultural infrastructure. Furthermore, the review points out how climate change affects food prices and availability and the widening income gap, potentially leading to social unrest and political instability in Africa. Vulnerable populations, including impoverished, elderly, and physically challenged individuals, are at increased risk due to climate‐related health impacts. Women who face gender inequalities and socioeconomic limitations are particularly susceptible. We posit that there is a need for comprehensive strategies that address health disparities and consider vulnerable subgroups within society alongside broader measures to enhance food security in the face of climate change.