Design temperature data for Australia

The rise in the intensity and frequency of extreme temperature events has emerged as a great concern in recent years across the globe. Temperature-duration-frequency (TDF) curves are useful in obtaining design temperatures across different frequencies and durations. TDF curves are similar to rainfall intensity-frequency-duration (IFD) curves, which are widely used in hydrologic design. This study uses temperature data from six selected stations across Australia to derive both stationary and nonstationary TDF curves. The Generalised Extreme Value distribution is used in the derivation of the TDF curves. Three primary climate drivers are examined as potential covariates in conjunction with time to derive the non-stationary TDF curves. The developed TDF curves would be useful in the sustainable management of the impacts of extreme heat events. This study is being extended to a greater number of stations across Australia and the development of an application tool like the Australian IFD tool so that design temperature data can be obtained easily at any location in Australia.