Spatial and temporal temperature trends on the Yunnan Plateau (Southwest China) during 1961-2004

Monthly mean (TEM), maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) surface air temperatures at 119 meteorological stations on the Yunnan Plateau (YP, Southwest China) were analysed for temporal trends and spatial variation patterns during the period 1961–2004. Linear trend analyses revealed that annual temperature over the YP increased at a rate of 0.3 °C/decade during the period 1961–2004, while warming trend of 0.33 °C/decade and 0.26 °C/decade was observed for winter and summer temperatures, respectively. Warming trends of nighttime minimum temperature are more pronounced than those of daytime maximum temperature, especially during winter season. Consequently, a decreasing trend of diurnal temperatur…