Kumar et al. (2026) Zone-Wise Estimation and Spatio-temporal Variability of Potential Evapotranspiration in Maharashtra Using the Thornthwaite Method

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Identification

• Journal: International Journal of Environment and Climate Change
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-01-13
• Authors: Parveen Kumar, P.R. Jaybhaye, Suresh, Yogesh Rajrana, Manita Devi, Ronak Singh, Surendra Singh Shekhawat
• DOI: 10.9734/ijecc/2026/v16i15232

Research Groups

Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Short Summary

This study evaluates the zone-wise estimation and spatial variability of potential evapotranspiration (PET) across nine agro-climatic zones of Maharashtra, India, from 1991–2020 using the Thornthwaite method, revealing substantial spatial variability and moderate inter-annual fluctuations. The findings provide zone-specific insights for water resource management and confirm the method's suitability for data-scarce regions.

Objective

• To evaluate the zone-wise estimation and spatial variability of potential evapotranspiration (PET) across nine agro-climatic zones of Maharashtra, India, over the period 1991–2020.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Nine agro-climatic zones of Maharashtra, India.
• Temporal Scale: 30 years (1991–2020).

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Thornthwaite method for PET estimation.
• Data sources: Long-term daily temperature data.

Main Results

• Substantial spatial variability in mean daily PET, ranging from 3.75 mm day⁻¹ in the Western Maharashtra Plain to 5.70 mm day⁻¹ in Central Vidarbha.
• Higher atmospheric water demand was observed in semi-arid inland regions, while lower demand was found in the Western Ghats and Konkan coastal areas.
• Moderate inter-annual fluctuations were identified, with PET peaks correlating with drought-prone and high-temperature years.
• The Thornthwaite method was found suitable for long-term, large-scale PET estimation in data-scarce regions.

Contributions

• Provides zone-specific insights into PET for targeted irrigation scheduling, water resource management, and climate-resilient agricultural planning in Maharashtra.
• Demonstrates the applicability and suitability of the Thornthwaite method for long-term, large-scale PET estimation in data-scarce regions.

Funding

Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Citation

@article{Kumar2026ZoneWise,
  author = {Kumar, Parveen and Jaybhaye, P.R. and Suresh and Rajrana, Yogesh and Devi, Manita and Singh, Ronak and Shekhawat, Surendra Singh},
  title = {Zone-Wise Estimation and Spatio-temporal Variability of Potential Evapotranspiration in Maharashtra Using the Thornthwaite Method},
  journal = {International Journal of Environment and Climate Change},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.9734/ijecc/2026/v16i15232},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2026/v16i15232}
}