Spatial and Temporal Trends in Precipitation and Temperature and their Influence on Groundwater in Ballia

A study examined the impact of long-term pre- and post-monsoon precipitation and temperature on groundwater level fluctuations in 17 blocks of Ballia District. The study used 100 years of daily precipitation data (1917-2016) and 62 years of daily temperature data (1951-2012) from the Indian Meteorological Department. Seasonal analysis was performed using pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter data. The Mann-Kendall method and Sen's slope were applied. The spatial variability of rainfall and temperature was mapped using the IDW technique in ArcGIS. Significant annual precipitation decreases were found in Murlichapra and Sear blocks. Maniar and Pandah blocks showed precipitation increases. An increasing pre-monsoon trend was observed in several blocks, while post-monsoon trends varied. Groundwater levels fluctuated across Ballia, with a notable decrease of 2.1 m in Bairia Block from 2006 to 2016.