Climatic variability analysis at Ballowal Saunkhri in submontane Punjab (India)

The variabilities in maximum and minimum temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed, evaporation and sunshine hours were analysed from historical 30 years of meteorological data (1984–2013) recorded at Regional Research Station (Punjab Agricultural University), Ballowal Saunkhri, district SBS Nagar (Punjab). Two distinct crop growth seasons of kharif (1st May to 30th September) and rabi (1st October to 30th April) were characterised for seasonal trends. The analysis of data revealed that the climate had changed slightly over the past three decades. The annual maximum and minimum temperature in last three decades ranged from 28.5 to 31.0°C and 15.2 to 17.4°C. The annual average maximum temperature had shown increasing trends over the years and increase was non-significant in annual minimum temperature. The rainfall of this region ranges from 617 to 2,041 mm with average value of 1,067 mm, out of which about 80% was received during the monsoon period. The declining trend in average annual and kharif rainfall was observed over the years. The average annual relative humidity showed significant increase over the years and ranged from 58 to 71% with mean value of 64%. The significant decrease in wind speed was recorded from 1988 to 2000. The sunshine hours also showed significant decreasing trends over years.