Maximum and minimum temperature trends for the globe: An update through 2004

Abstract

New data acquisitions are used to examine recent global trends in maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and the diurnal temperature range (DTR). On average, the analysis covers the equivalent of 71% of the total global land area, 17% more than in previous studies. Consistent with the IPCC Third Assessment Report, minimum temperature increased more rapidly than maximum temperature (0.204 vs. 0.141°C dec-1) from 1950-2004, resulting in a significant DTR decrease (-0.066°C dec-1). In contrast, there were comparable increases in minimum and maximum temperature (0.295 vs. 0.287°C dec-1) from 1979-2004, muting recent DTR trends (-0.001°C dec-1). Minimum and maximum temperature increased in almost all parts of the globe during both periods, whereas a widespread decrease in the DTR was only evident from 1950-1980.