Climate trend analysis for a semi-arid Borana zone in southern Ethiopia during 1981–2018

Abstract Background Understanding the climate variability at local scale could help suggest adaptation responses to manage associated risks. This paper analyzed and trend of in semi-arid Borana zone southern Ethiopia over period 1981–2018 using Mann–Kendall (MK) test, Sen’s Slope Estimator (SEE) inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation technique. Gridded (4 km * 4 km) data (daily precipitation, daily maximum temperature (Tmax) minimum (Tmin) ) were collected from National Meteorology Agency (NMA) Ethiopia. Results The results revealed study area received a mean monthly precipitation 39.19 mm Tmax Tmin 29.66 °C 16.31 observed respectively. Rainfall shows significant increasing during August, October November extremely variable December, January February where CV > 100%. warming August but January, February, exhibited similar for Tmin. Meher no rest seasons. Mean annual rainfall increase both this timescale. Decadal show 2001–2010 decade. Better cooler north central, northeastern northwestern whereas southeastern southwestern regions drier warmer. Conclusion is highly than temporal spatial scales Borana. intensity decreases parts towards southwest while increased central southeast effect topography substantial area. Internal therefore any should consider microscale climate.