Climate Impact Drivers (CIDs) indices are quantitative measures that capture the frequency, intensity, and duration of specific climate phenomena with direct and substantial impacts on natural and human systems. These indices include metrics for extreme temperatures, heavy precipitation, droughts, wind patterns, and sea level rise, among others. By standardizing these measurements, CIDs indices facilitate the systematic assessment of climate risks and vulnerabilities across different regions and sectors. They provide a robust framework for comparing historical data with future projections, thereby enabling researchers and policymakers to identify trends, anticipate potential impacts, and develop targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies.
| Index |
Definition |
Use in Climate Assessment |
| SDII |
Simple Daily Intensity Index. It is the mean precipitation amount per wet day (defined as days with precipitation ≥ 1 mm) in a specified period. |
Used to assess the intensity of precipitation events, which is important for water resource management, agriculture, and flood risk assessment. |
| RX1DAY |
Maximum 1-Day Precipitation Amount. It is the highest daily precipitation total recorded in a specified period. |
Critical for flood risk management, infrastructure design, and agricultural planning due to its impact on soil erosion and waterlogging. |
| R10MM |
Number of Heavy Precipitation Days. It is the count of days where precipitation is equal to or greater than 10 mm. |
Helps in evaluating flood risks, water supply, and soil moisture levels, which are essential for agriculture and urban planning. |
| P90PR |
90th Percentile of Precipitation. It is the precipitation amount that is exceeded only 10% of the time in a specified period, indicating very wet conditions. |
Useful for assessing extreme weather events, flood risk, and the impact on agriculture and infrastructure. |
| CDD |
Consecutive Dry Days. It is the maximum number of consecutive days with precipitation less than 1 mm. |
Important for drought assessment, water resource management, and agricultural planning. Prolonged dry periods can severely impact crop yields and water supply. |
| CWD |
Consecutive Wet Days. It is the maximum number of consecutive days with precipitation equal to or greater than 1 mm. |
Useful for understanding wet spells which can impact agricultural practices, waterlogging, and flood risks. |
| HWF |
Heat Wave Frequency. It is the number of heat wave events in a specified period. A heat wave is typically defined as a period of consecutive days with temperatures significantly higher than the long-term average. |
Critical for public health, energy demand management, and assessing the risk of heat-related illnesses and mortality. |
| HWM |
Heat Wave Magnitude. It is the average intensity or duration of heat wave events in a specified period. |
Important for evaluating the severity of heat waves, which impacts public health, agriculture, and energy consumption. |
| TAS |
Average Temperature. It is the mean daily temperature over a specified period. |
Used for general climate monitoring, agricultural planning, and understanding long-term climate trends. |
| TNN |
Minimum of Daily Minimum Temperature. It is the lowest minimum temperature recorded in a specified period. |
Important for assessing frost risks, energy demand for heating, and impacts on agriculture and natural ecosystems. |
| TXX |
Maximum of Daily Maximum Temperature. It is the highest maximum temperature recorded in a specified period. |
Crucial for evaluating the impact of extreme heat on public health, energy demand, and the potential for heat stress in both humans and animals. |