Long-Term Trends of Temperature and Rainfall in Sivakasi: A Climatic Assessment (1980–2025)

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.

Sivakasi, Climate Variability, Temperature Trends, Rainfall Patterns

1. Ramasamy, C. (2019). Climate Change and Agriculture in India: Impact and Adaptation. New Delhi: Oxford & IBH Publishing. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Gadgil, S. & Gadgil, S. (2006). The Indian Monsoon, GDP, and Agriculture. Economic and Political Weekly, 41(47), 4887–4895. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Lal, R., Sivakumar, M. V. K., Faiz, M. A., Rahman, A. H. M. M., & Islam, K. R. (Eds.). (2011). Climate Change and Food Security in South Asia. Dordrecht: Springer. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Singh, R. B., & Hanjra, M. A. (2009). Sustainable Water Management in India: Challenges and Strategies. New Delhi: Rawat Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). (2023). Climate Statistics of Tamil Nadu (1980–2020). Pune: Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Tamil Nadu State Action Plan on Climate Change (TNSAPCC). (2019). Government of Tamil Nadu Report. Chennai: Department of Environment. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Kumar, K. S. K., & Parikh, J. (2001). Socio-Economic Impacts of Climate Change on Indian Agriculture. International Review for Environmental Strategies, 2(2), 277–293. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Mishra, A. K., & Singh, V. P. (2010). A Review of Drought Concepts. Journal of Hydrology, 391(1–2), 202–216. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Agarwood: A Fragrant Link between India and Southeast Asia
• Pens of Protest: Malayalam Press in the Freedom Struggle
• Iran’s Forgotten Friend William Morgan Shuster: Victim of Anglo-Russian Conspiracy
• The (Moordkop) Murder Hill Massacre 1830: A Historical Analysis of the Griqua-Ndebele Conflict
• “Maria Clara at Ibarra Series: Perceptions of College Students on Its Impact towards Studying History”