Abstract
This study analysed temperature data in the contiguous Peninsular India from 1991-2020 using the PMiSTIC method, aiming to identify zones with consistent seasonal temperature patterns. Four seasons were considered: DJF, MAM, JJA, and SON, each revealing distinct temperature zones, especially in the high-elevation Himalayan region, with the Western Himalayan and Karakoram zones consistently identified. These regions exhibit Elevation Dependent Warming (EDW) phenomenon, with diurnal temperature range (DTR) being lowest in JJA and highest in MAM. Over the study period, both regions experienced rising temperatures, particularly in DJF and MAM, with the Western Himalayan region showing a slightly higher increase. JJA and SON also displayed increasing trends. Conversely, DJF saw a decreasing temperature trend. DTR exhibited a seasonal cycle, with lowest values in JJA and a gradual increase in SON. Notably, DTR increased during JJA but decreased in DJF. This analysis sheds light on the spatio-temporal variability of temperature patterns in the region, highlighting the influence of elevation on temperature trends throughout the year and the need to incorporate it in climate models for temperature projections