Climate Trends in the Afro-Alpine Region of Ethiopia: Evidence from Dinsho Meteorological Records

Chirotaw Ayele
Department of Biology, Hawassa University, Ethiopia

GEZAHEGN DEGEFE
Debre Berhan University

Abstract

Climate change, largely resulting from greenhouse gasses, caused mainly by anthropogenic activities has a significant effect on mountains’ ecosystem.  The Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) represents one of Africa’s largest Afro-alpine ecosystems and contains distinct endemic biodiversity. This study investigated long-term patterns and variation in rain fall and temperature at Dinsho (3072 m a.s.l.), an important location in BMNP, utilizing climate data spanning from 1983 to 2014 provided by the Ethiopian Meteorological Agency. Climate data on Temperature and precipitation were examined across three decades to evaluate long term trends and fluctuations. Results indicated a notable increase in temperature throughout the study period. The maximum recorded temperature, 26.4⁰c, occurred in March 2004 and the lowest minimum temperature, -0.7⁰c   was noted in January 1989 and 1991.   The average annual temperature rose by 1.35± 0.45⁰c between 2004-2014 compared to 1983-1992. The increase in minimum temperature (2.02 ± 0.22⁰c) exceeded that of maximum temperature, suggesting a reduction in the diurnal temperature range.  Rain fall, in contrary, varied greatly between years and demonstrated a significant declining trend. Compared with 1983-1992, mean monthly rainfall fell by 43.6 ± 11.1mm in 2003-2014 equating to an annual reduction of  523.2mm(174.4mm per decade). Dinsho maintained its characteristic bimodal pattern, with pick rainfall, in April and august.  Over the past three decades, BMNP has showed significant warming and a decline in rainfall. Elevation related temperature increases, could worsen the impact. These trends may threaten afro alpine habitats, biodiversity, and downstream water supplies.    

Keywords: Climate change, Maximum temperature, Mean rainfall