Hydro-climatic Time Series Analysis between Evaporation, Temperature, Relative Humidity and Rainfall: Case Study in Pahang

Abstract

Hydro-climatic time series analysis is critical in understanding the dynamic interactions between atmospheric and hydrological variables, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate variability. This study investigates the temporal relationships between evaporation, temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall in Pahang, Malaysia, using 13 years (2008–2020) of hydro-climatic data. Regression analysis (RA) was employed to quantify these interactions, revealing that temperature is the dominant driver of evaporation, with a strong correlation at the Temerloh station (R² = 0.748) and moderate correlations at Muadzam Shah (R² = 0.676) and Kuantan (R² = 0.544). Conversely, rainfall and relative humidity exhibited weak correlations with evaporation, with R² values ranging from 0.004 to 0.351, indicating indirect influences. The study highlights the efficacy of time series analysis in detecting long-term climate trends and underscores the necessity of incorporating additional climatic factors, such as wind speed and solar radiation, for improved predictive accuracy. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of regional hydro-climatic variability, informing sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation strategies.