Trend and spatial distribution of rainfall & rainy days over Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The present study examines the characteristics and climatological features of daily rainfall data over Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Analysis of rainfall data reveals a large monthly deviation over the northern latitudes as compare to southern latitudes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Also, it is found that rainfall increases from north to south latitudes in all the seasons except monsoon, where a reverse pattern exists. In trend analysis, a statistically significant decreasing trend (confidence level > 95 %) is observed for yearly rainfall and rainy days over the region. Analysis of daily rainfall intensity for each year shows increasing trend for frequency of rather heavy rain (35.6-64.4 mm) and significant decreasing trend for frequencies of light rain (2.5-7.5 mm), and very heavy rain (> 124.5 mm) over the region. Many times, very heavy rain events are associated with cyclonic disturbances affecting Andaman & Nicobar Islands region. The analysis of cyclonic disturbances over the region reveals a stronger and more significant decreasing trend. So, one of the causes for decreasing trend in very heavy rain over Andaman & Nicobar Islands may be due to significant decreasing frequency of cyclonic disturbances affecting this region.