Analysis of extreme weather events over Solapur district of Western Maharashtra using RClimDex model

Abstract

The study, conducted from 2021 to 2023 at the Department of Agricultural Meteorology, College of Agriculture, Pune, analyzed extreme weather events in the Solapur district using the RClimDex model. Daily temperature and precipitation data collected over a 40-year period (1982-2022) were used to derive 27 core indices. Of the 19 temperature-based indices, twelve showed an increasing trend, five exhibited a decreasing trend, and two—namely the number of frost days (FD0) and ice days (ID0)—were non-significant. Notably, indices such as the number of cold days (FD15), cool nights (TN10p), cold spell duration indicator (CSDI), and diurnal temperature range (DTR) exhibited a significant decreasing trend, while the number of tropical nights (TR20) and warm nights (TN90p) displayed an increasing trend. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the region's agro-climatic resources, offering essential knowledge for optimizing agricultural output and promoting sustainable resource use.