Temperature as an Indicator of Climate Variation at a Local Weather Station

This study assessed temperature data from Chichiri weather station in Blantyre, Malawi for the possibility of warming and variation over a nine year (2000-2009) period. Blantyre was chosen because it is the industrial and commercial capital of Malawi whereas Chichiri is close to two industrial sites (Makata and Maselema). The data used was for mean monthly minimum temperature and mean monthly maximum temperature. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. The results showed that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between yearly mean minimum temperatures which was also the case for the mean maximum temperature. However there were significant differences between mean monthly minimum and maximum temperatures (p < 0.05). Graphical presentation of the data showed increase in temperature over the years, especially between 2004 - 2005, which is in agreement with literature. This study has shown that temperatures over Chichiri are increasing which may be indicative of variation and sequential warming.