Spatial and Temporal Pattern Assessment of Meteorological Drought in Tumakuru District of Karnataka during 1951-2019 using Standardized Precipitation Index

Tumakuru district of Karnataka state is situated in the semi-arid climatic region which is considered most sensitive area/zone in response to climate change. This study analyses the spatiotemporal changes of meteorological drought in the Tumakuru district during 1951-2019. To understand the spatial and temporal characteristics of drought, annual and seasonal drought trends were examined using standardized precipitation index. Based on three-seasons, pre-monsoon (January-May), southwest monsoon (June-September), northeast monsoon (October-December) the annual SPI were calculated. Characteristics, classification and the threshold value of drought classes were determined. The correlation between precipitation and SPI was similar and showed the strong correlation. The wettest (1962 & 2006), and driest years (1968, 1954, 1965, & 1976) during the study were identified. The higher frequency distribution of the driest years addresses roughly 57% drought years detected for Madhugiri and Tumakuru (1) in SW-monsoon of the total years of study, in pre-monsoon Kunigal have 21.73%, and in NE-monsoon it was 50.72 % at Kunigal. In the district southwest monsoon is long spell rainy season which is contributing 54% of total rainfall and advantageous for early stage of Rabi and maturation of Kharif crops. Maximum evaporation from soil and vegetation measured by potential evaporation which is the criteria of the water consumption by crops. In the event of monsoon failure and very less rainfall during southwest monsoon, farmers could not able to sow new crops and existing rain-fed crops would be decimated.

Automated summary

This study examines the spatiotemporal changes of meteorological drought in Tumakuru district of Karnataka state from 1951 to 2019. It analyzes annual and seasonal drought trends using the standardized precipitation index and determines the characteristics, classification, and threshold values of drought classes. The study identifies the wettest and driest years during the period and highlights the high frequency of drought years, particularly during the monsoon seasons.