Change in temperature, rainfall, evaporation and wind was assessed based on instrumental meteorological observations during 1985-09 in Peshawar. The results showed 0.85oC (0.77oC - 0.92oC) increase in temperature. The spring season started 15.6 days earlier as well as spring season period was shortened by 17.8 days. The summer season was extended and spread over seven months (April-October) having mean maximum temperature >30oC. There was 30% decrease in rainfall during the study period. The climate was shifted towards dry tropical with eight months receiving <25 mm rainfall. The rainfall was reduced drastically in spring and late summer seasons. Evaporation and wind increased 1.59 times and 1.40 times, respectively. The results indicated a significant feedback mechanism among temperature, rainfall and evaporation. The temperature showed negative correlation with rainfall (r2 = 0.49) while positive correlation with evaporation (r2 = 0.78). The range of variation and coefficient of variation of temperature, rainfall, evaporation and wind showed a great volatility especially in the spring and autumn seasons. Present findings forecast a likely increase of 4.13oC in maximum temperature by the end of 21st century vis-a-vis extended drought conditions thus calls the principle of intergenerational justice into question. The newly emerging climate scenario predicts multifaceted effects on vegetative and reproductive growth of plants, and depending habitat characteristics. In addition to biologists and ecologists, this study provides guidelines to policy makers for adaptation of mitigation measures.

Key words: Climate change, temperature, rainfall, evaporation, wind