Impact of climate change on extreme rainfall events and rainfall distribution pattern in Punjab

The recent years in south-western Punjab witnessed exceptionally heavy rainfall events associated flash floods in many areas. The long-term changes (1980–2012) in extreme rainfall over south-western Punjab were investigated in the present study. The study area (Bathinda, 30° 09′N; 74° 55′ E; 211 m above MSL) located in semi-arid region comes under agro-climatic zone V of Punjab. The average maximum and minimum temperature of Bathinda is 31.4 and 16.8°C, respectively. The average annual rainfall of this region is about 515 mm. The annual rainfall of Bathinda was higher during 1981–1990 than other decades. The extreme rainfall events increased from 1981–1990 but decreased form 2001–12. The nine extreme rainfall events were observed in first two decades 1981–90 and 1991–2000, but in recent decade (2001 onwards), only three extreme rainfall events were recorded. The recent decade showed much variation in rainfall extremes with highest rainfall events in September compared to June, July and August. During monsoon season, the wettest month July received above normal rainfall only once while monsoon withdrawal month September received four times above normal rainfall during recent decade. The results of the study will be useful for hydrological planning and disaster managements.