Changing Temperature Trends and Climate Change in Maharashtra

Abstract Climate change has emerged as one of the most significant environmental challenges affecting Maharashtra, with changes in temperature patterns becoming increasingly important for the state’s agriculture, water resources, ecosystems, human health, and economy. “Changing Temperature Trends and Climate Change in Maharashtra” examines the spatial and temporal variations in temperature across Maharashtra and evaluates their relationship with broader climate-change processes. The study focuses on changes in annual and seasonal maximum and minimum temperatures, frequency of extreme temperature events, and regional variations across different geographical regions of the state. Maharashtra experiences considerable climatic diversity, ranging from the humid Konkan coast and Western Ghats to the semi-arid Deccan Plateau and Vidarbha region. Therefore, the impacts of changing temperatures vary considerably from one region to another. The study can utilize long-term meteorological temperature records, rainfall data, climate datasets, and secondary information from government and scientific agencies. Statistical techniques such as temperature trend analysis, decadal comparison, and correlation and regression analysis can be used to identify significant changes in temperature patterns. The findings are expected to indicate an overall warming tendency, although the magnitude and pattern of change may differ spatially and seasonally. Rising temperatures may contribute to increased heat-wave conditions, water stress, agricultural vulnerability, changes in vegetation patterns, and increased risks of forest fires. The study highlights the importance of regional climate monitoring, climate-resilient agriculture, efficient water management, urban heat mitigation, ecosystem conservation, and appropriate adaptation strategies. Understanding the changing temperature trends is essential for developing effective climate-change policies and strengthening the environmental and socio-economic resilience of Maharashtra.