Study of changes in temporal distribution pattern of rainfall at Dapoli station in Konkan region of Maharashtra

Dapoli situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra is having average annual rainfall of 3587 mm with average number of rainy days 75. The yield of major Kharif season crop rice is affected by the erratic behavior of rainfall. Present study is an attempt to study the rainfall variations at the Dapoli station which will be useful for forecasting the future temporal availability of water. Comprehensive statistical tools were used to investigate trends in averages and monthly rainfall over the station on decadal basis. Forty years (year 1972-2011) daily rainfall data for Dapoli station was used for the analysis. Results of study showed that, decadal mean rainfall depths of June and August were found decreasing and those for September was found increasing. Mean rainfall depth variations for July as well as annual total rainfall were found random. Seven years moving averages showed that, rainfall depths for the months of June, July and August were found decreasing and for month of September was found increasing. In annual rainfall graph a slight decline was observed.