Meteorological characteristics of the Mekong Delta in the period of 2014–2020

Abstract

Meteorological data from 9 weather stations located in different provinces of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta were analyzed and compared in this study. The data analysis showed that in 2014–2020 the average annual temperature in the Mekong Delta was 27.6 °С, the total annual rainfall – 1533.9 mm, the average annual humidity – 79% or more, the total annual evaporation – 942.3 mm, and the total annual sunshine duration – 2521 hours. The average annual temperature in 2014–2020 was higher than that during the 1984–2013 period. Meanwhile, the total annual rainfall and the total annual evaporation in 2014–2020 were lower than that during the 1984–2013 period. Trend analysis of meteorological parameters from 2014 to 2020 showed that the average temperature during the dry season and the absolute minimum temperature at all weather stations tended to increase over time. The rainy season had a higher average daily temperature, more rainfall, and higher humidity, but lower evaporation, and lower sunshine hours than the dry season. The obtained data on the meteorological characteristics of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta lay the foundation for evaluating the dynamics of climate change, providing background for further research and developing solutions for the rational use of climate resources to promote the socio-economic development of this region.

Keywords

• climate
• temperature
• rainfall
• humidity
• evaporation