Validation of meteorological series and estimation of climate change indicators in agricultural locations from Uruguay

Evidence of climate change is not easily detectable, however, by monitoring indicators of climate extremes, a first approximation is possible. For this study, trends of 25 indicators of climatic extremes and maximum and minimum temperatures were estimated by means of least squares regression of daily meteorological series of 5 stations from Uruguay, previously validated by descriptive analysis, quality control and homogeneity detection. The results revealed that the series have good quality, but required homogenization, with the exception of the La Estanzuela precipitation series. Significant positive trends indicate, in Las Brujas, increase in consecutive wet days (CWD), warm days (TX90p), and mean maximum and minimum temperatures. In Salto grande, increase in heavy precipitation days (R20), summer days (SU25), tropical days (TR20) and warm nights (TN90p), and mean maximum and minimum temperatures. In La Estanzuela, increase in the minimum monthly value of daily minimum temperature (TNn) and in the mean minimum temperatures. In Tacuarembo, increase in consecutive wet days (CWD), in tropical nights (TR20) and warm nights (TN90p), and in mean minimum temperatures. In Treinta y tres, increase in tropical nights (TR20), warm nights (TN90p) and in mean maximum temperatures. On the other hand, the significant negative trends imply, in Las Brujas, decrease in the days of frost (FDO), in the maximum monthly value of maximum daily temperature (TNx) and in the cold nights (TN10p). In La Estanzuela, decrease in cold nights (TN10p) and cold days (TX10p). In Salto grande, decrease in the cold nights (TN10p) and in the diurnal temperature range (DTR). In Tacuarembo, decrease in simple daily intensity (SDII) and in consecutive dry days (CDD) and in Treinta y tres, decrease in cold days (TX10p).