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

Abstract

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.