Evaluation of Long-Term Climate Change in Kayseri Province Using Multi-Parameter Hydro-Climatic Data

In this study, long-term climate changes in the province of Kayseri were evaluated using multiparameter meteorological data. In the preliminary review, the Kayseri Region, Develi, Pinarbasi, Sariz, and Tomarza stations were used, as they had sufficient data continuity. The period from 1966 to 2025 was examined for average, maximum, and minimum temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and the number of snowy days. The assessment of total precipitation, on the other hand, covers the common recording period of 1966 to 2010. The direction and significance of trends in the annual series were determined using the Mann Kendall test, and the magnitude of changes was identified using the Sen slope. The average temperature has increased at all five stations, with the rate of increase varying between 0.30 and 0.50 degrees over the decade. The maximum temperature has shown a significant increase at all stations. The minimum temperature has increased at the Develi, Kayseri Region, Pinarbasi, and Sariz stations. Relative humidity has decreased at the Develi, Kayseri Region, and Pinarbasi stations. A significant decrease in wind speed has been observed at the Kayseri Region and Tomarza stations. The number of snowy days has decreased at the Develi, Pinarbasi, Sariz, and Tomarza stations. At the Pinarbasi station, total precipitation has decreased by approximately 25.52 millimeters over the past decade. The findings indicate that, in addition to strong warming across Kayseri, some areas are experiencing drying, weakening of wind patterns, and a decline in snow conditions. The identified trends present significant signs of change in terms of regional water budget, drought risk, snowmelt pattern, agricultural water demand, and long-term water resource planning, and they increase the need for future adaptation.