Spatio-temporal analysis of precipitation, temperature and drought from 1985 to 2020 in Penang, Malaysia

Abstract This study aims to analyze the spatial and temporal variability of precipitation, temperature drought in Penang from 1985 2020. The trend magnitude changes climate series were tested using Mann–Kendall test Sens’ slope methods. A significant increasing annual precipitation was detected middle northern parts mainland by 21.38 35.01 mm/decade. Annual mean maximum increased significantly on Island at rates 0.25 0.34 °C/decade, while minimum for all stations 0.36 0.52 showing increases warm nights past few years. Extreme events (SPI-3 > −2) over mostly occurred during strong El Niño years, e.g. 1988–1989, 1997–1998, 2010–2011 2014–2016. number is higher 2001–2010 (4–11 events) period as compared 1991–2000 (6–9 2011–2020 (7–8 events). Interestingly, tends have a shorter duration, but more intense droughts been observed, particularly southern mainland.