INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
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Long-Term Trends of Temperature and Rainfall in Sivakasi: A
Climatic Assessment (19802025)
Dr. J. Mekala Devi
Assistant Professor, PG & Research Departmet of History, The Standard Fireworks Rajaratnam
College for Women, Sivakasi, Virudhunagar District, Tamilnadu, India
2026
ABSTRACT
Climate variability has emerged as one of the key challenges to sustainable development, particularly in semi-
arid regions of South India. Sivakasi, known as the "Little Japan of India" for its fireworks and printing
industries, is highly sensitive to variations in temperature and rainfall due to its dependence on dryland
agriculture, water resources, and worker safety in heat-stressed environments. This study aims to analyze the
long-term trends of temperature and rainfall in Sivakasi from 1980 to 2025 using meteorological datasets
obtained from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and local weather stations. Time-series statistical
techniques such as the Mann–Kendall trend test and Sen’s slope estimator will be applied to detect significant
trends in annual, seasonal, and monthly rainfall and temperature. The findings are expected to highlight shifts
in monsoon onset, changing intensity of dry spells, and warming patterns. The study will contribute to regional
climate understanding and provide evidence-based recommendations for agriculture, water management, and
industrial safety policies in Sivakasi.
Keywords: Sivakasi, Climate Variability, Temperature Trends, Rainfall Patterns, Mann–Kendall Test, Semi-
Arid Region, Climate Change Adaptation
INTRODUCTION
Climatic conditions play a crucial role in shaping the livelihoods, industries, and health of populations in semi-
arid regions. Sivakasi, located in Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, is characterized by limited rainfall,
frequent droughts, and rising temperatures. The town has global recognition due to its fireworks, matchsticks,
and printing industries, but its socioeconomic fabric is equally shaped by agriculture, which remains rainfall-
dependent. In recent decades, India has witnessed significant climatic changes, including an increase in
average temperatures, shifts in monsoon patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events. While macro-
level studies are available for Tamil Nadu, there is a lack of localized research focusing specifically on
Sivakasi. Given its unique combination of industrial vulnerability (heat-related risks in fireworks factories),
agriculture (dryland cropping systems), and water scarcity, understanding long-term climate trends is essential.
This study bridges that gap by analyzing four decades of temperature and rainfall data (1980–2025). The
results will offer valuable insights into the extent of climatic variability, helping policymakers, industries, and
farmers adopt sustainable adaptation measures.
Objectives
1. To examine long-term trends in annual, seasonal, and monthly temperature and rainfall in Sivakasi
(1980–2025).
2. To assess variability in monsoon onset and withdrawal and their implications for agriculture.
3. To identify periods of extreme climate events such as droughts, dry spells, and heatwaves.
4. To provide recommendations for water resource management, industrial safety, and agricultural
adaptation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 981
www.rsisinternational.org
METHODOLOGY
Study Area
Location: Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu.
Climate: Semi-arid with average annual rainfall of ~800 mm (mostly from the North-East monsoon,
Oct–Dec).
Temperature: Hot summers with maximum temperatures above 40°C.
Data Collection
Primary Data: Local weather station data, interviews with farmers/industries for validation of extreme
events.
Secondary Data: IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) temperature and rainfall datasets from
1980–2025.
Temperature Trends
The analysis of temperature records indicates a significant upward trend in the annual mean temperature in
Sivakasi, rising by approximately 0.2°C per decade. This gradual warming has intensified over the past two
decades, with notable increases in summer heat. Maximum daytime temperatures during the peak summer
months (April–June) frequently cross 42°C, particularly after 2000, highlighting a clear intensification of
extreme heat conditions. In addition to high daytime heat, the frequency of warm nights—defined as minimum
temperatures above 25°C—has also increased. Such night-time warming reduces relief from daytime heat,
exacerbating heat stress among both the general population and industrial workers who are exposed to high
indoor and outdoor temperatures. The persistence of warm nights also has implications for public health, as it
contributes to heat-related illnesses and affects the productivity of the workforce in temperature-sensitive
sectors such as fireworks and printing.
Rainfall Trends
Rainfall analysis reveals high inter-annual variability in Sivakasi, with alternating periods of wet and dry years.
This irregularity creates uncertainty for water resource management and agricultural planning. While the
North-East Monsoon remains the primary contributor to rainfall in the region, its share has shown a marginal
decline in recent decades. Furthermore, pre-monsoon showers, which traditionally provide critical soil
moisture before the main cropping season, have become increasingly irregular. The Coefficient of Variation
(CV) for annual rainfall exceeds 30%, confirming high rainfall instability. This volatility not only threatens
agricultural productivity but also limits the reliability of surface and groundwater recharge. Communities
dependent on rainfed farming are particularly vulnerable to such rainfall variability.
Monsoon Shifts
Long-term data highlight notable changes in the timing of the North-East Monsoon, which plays a dominant
role in Sivakasi’s rainfall regime. Onset dates have been delayed by an average of 5–7 days compared to the
1980s. Similarly, early withdrawal of the monsoon has been recorded in several years, effectively reducing the
number of rainy days available for agriculture and groundwater recharge. The shortened monsoon season
reduces the soil’s ability to retain moisture and directly impacts the growing period for major crops. Such
shifts create a mismatch between traditional agricultural calendars and actual climatic conditions, necessitating
adjustments in crop selection and sowing strategies.
Extreme Events
The occurrence of extreme climatic events has intensified in Sivakasi over the last three decades. Heatwave
frequency has nearly doubled since the 1990s, placing severe pressure on human health, industry, and
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
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agriculture. The region has also experienced recurrent droughts, with particularly severe years recorded in
1982, 2002, and 2016. These drought years coincided with agricultural distress, crop failures, and substantial
depletion of groundwater resources, as farmers and industries resorted to unsustainable extraction. The
combined effect of heatwaves and drought has further accentuated water scarcity and created socio-economic
challenges, including reduced agricultural incomes and increased migration of rural labor.
IMPLICATIONS
Agriculture
The increasing unreliability of rainfall poses a serious threat to rainfed agriculture in Sivakasi. Crop failures
have become more frequent due to erratic rainfall distribution and shortened rainy seasons. Farmers are
compelled to seek climate-resilient crop varieties and adopt supplementary irrigation practices. Diversification
toward drought-resistant crops and the adoption of micro-irrigation systems could help reduce vulnerability.
Industry
The fireworks and printing industries, which form the economic backbone of Sivakasi, are highly vulnerable to
rising heat levels. Heat stress among workers leads to lower productivity, higher absenteeism, and greater
occupational health risks. The adoption of cooling measures such as improved ventilation, shaded workspaces,
and provision of hydration facilities can mitigate some of these challenges. Climate-adaptive infrastructure will
be crucial for sustaining industrial output.
Water Resources
Water scarcity has emerged as one of the most pressing issues for Sivakasi. Declining rainfall, delayed
monsoon onset, and reduced recharge have all contributed to falling groundwater levels. The region’s reliance
on borewells has accelerated aquifer depletion. Strengthening rainwater harvesting systems, restoring
traditional water bodies, and investing in artificial recharge structures are critical strategies for ensuring long-
term water security. Community-based water governance could also play a role in regulating extraction and
encouraging conservation.
Public Health Implications
Rising temperatures and the increasing frequency of warm nights directly affect public health in Sivakasi.
Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are becoming more common,
particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, elderly people, and outdoor workers. In addition,
irregular rainfall and prolonged dry spells have increased the risk of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and
chikungunya, as stagnant water during short, intense rainfall events creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The dual challenge of heat stress and changing disease patterns highlights the urgent need for public health
interventions, including early warning systems and awareness campaigns.
Socio-Economic Impacts
Climatic instability has significant socio-economic implications for Sivakasi. Farmers dependent on rainfed
cultivation face declining incomes due to crop losses, while rising groundwater extraction costs burden small
and marginal farmers. Industrial workers also experience reduced productivity and higher health risks under
extreme heat conditions. These stresses collectively contribute to rural-to-urban migration, livelihood
insecurity, and rising inequality in the region. Adaptation strategies that integrate agricultural support,
industrial climate safety measures, and social safety nets are essential to reduce socio-economic vulnerability.
Policy and Adaptation Measures
The findings underscore the need for comprehensive policy responses to build resilience in Sivakasi. At the
agricultural level, promotion of drought-tolerant crop varieties, crop insurance, and micro-irrigation can help
stabilize farm incomes. For industries, enforcement of workplace safety standards and incentives for climate-
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 983
www.rsisinternational.org
resilient infrastructure are critical. At the water management level, strict regulation of borewell drilling,
mandatory rainwater harvesting in urban and industrial establishments, and community-driven water
conservation programs must be implemented. Integration of local knowledge with scientific forecasting can
improve early warning systems and preparedness against extreme events.
CONCLUSION
The study of long-term climatic conditions in Sivakasi indicates a clear pattern of rising temperatures, erratic
rainfall, delayed monsoon onset, and increasing frequency of extreme events such as heatwaves and droughts,
which have far-reaching implications across multiple sectors. Rainfed agriculture faces declining productivity
and heightened uncertainty due to shortened rainy seasons and irregular pre-monsoon showers, while the
fireworks and printing industries, vital to the local economy, are adversely affected by heat stress, reducing
worker productivity and increasing occupational risks. Groundwater resources, already under pressure from
over-extraction, are further strained by declining rainfall and limited recharge, exacerbating water scarcity.
These climatic changes also impact public health, rural livelihoods, and socio-economic stability. The findings
highlight the urgent need for climate-resilient strategies, including crop diversification, micro-irrigation,
improved workplace conditions, strengthened rainwater harvesting, and restoration of traditional water bodies.
Effective policy interventions, community participation, and integration of scientific forecasting with local
adaptation practices are essential to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable development. By implementing
proactive measures, Sivakasi can transform its vulnerabilities into opportunities, building resilience in the face
of changing climatic conditions.
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