Trends Change of Temperature and Rainfall in Southwestern of Saudi Arabia
the current study presents the analyses of monthly, seasonal and annual temperature and rainfall data for the period (1987 ? 2017) across seven climatic zones in southwestern Saudi Arabia (Abha, Khamis Mushait, Bisha, Najran, Jazan, Sharurah and Al-Baha, monitored by the General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection). The analyses aim to investigate the overall variations in rainfall and temperatures recorded in these seven climatic zones. The study employs the descriptive analytical approach. Several descriptive statistical analyses have been carried out on the obtained meteorological data including linear regression, arithmetic averages, standard deviation and arithmetic average. Findings of the study show that there is a rising trend in monthly, seasonal and annual temperatures in most climatic zones investigated in this study. The overall annual temperature rise during the study period was (+0.06?). Furthermore, findings have shown that there is a falling trend in monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall levels in most climatic zones investigated in this study. The overall variation during the study period was (-2.87) m, which indicates that a climate change has impacted the southern west of Saudi Arabia. In the light of the study findings, it is recommended that climate change measures are actively taken in order to respond to the changes in climate and mitigate their implications. Furthermore, it is recommended to establish advanced meteorological stations in the villages and settlements of the towns and cities investigated in this study. Finally, it is important that further research be carried out using various climate elements order to further investigate the climate changes on the southern west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Publishing Year
2020