Spatiotemporal Analysis of Atmospheric Hazards in Arid and Hyper-Arid Regions: A Case Study of Yazd Province

With the intensification of global warming, extreme weather events have become a critical global concern. However, the sensitivity of different geographical regions to climate change varies significantly. This study examines the temporal and spatial variations of extreme meteorological events in Yazd Province, Iran, using data from the province’s meteorological stations over the period 2004–2023. Ten major meteorological hazards were identified and categorized into two groups: (1) phenomenon-based hazards and (2) temperature- and precipitation-based hazards. Spatial distribution maps of these hazards were generated and analyzed using GIS software, and temporal trends over the study period were assessed. Finally, by integrating all identified hazards, a comprehensive risk map was developed to evaluate the vulnerability of different areas to extreme weather events. The results indicate that the central and northern regions of Yazd Province are the most vulnerable, whereas the southern and western areas experience the lowest frequency of meteorological hazards. Among all examined locations, the Meybod synoptic station was identified as the most hazardous. Additionally, the findings reveal that temperature-related hazards exhibit more pronounced trends than other types of hazards. Specifically, the number of frost days and cold waves has declined, while the frequency of heat waves has increased significantly, particularly in recent years, underscoring the severe impact of global warming on Yazd Province. These findings provide valuable insights for disaster risk management and the prioritization of mitigation strategies based on regional vulnerability levels.