Abstract: In this paper, the methods of regression analysis, inverse distance weighted and Mann-Kendall test were used to analyze the temporal and spatial variation of extreme temperature events in Gansu Province based on the daily and annual temperature data observed by 26 meteorological stations in the province during the period from 1960 to 2009. The thresholds of the extreme high temperature days and the extreme low temperature days at these stations were determined. Results indicated that the decadal trend of extreme temperature at these stations was basically similar, the annual extreme high temperature was in a slight increase, but the extreme low temperature was in a slight decrease. In spite of the above mentioned main trends in most regions, the spatial distribution differences were obvious. In addition, an obvious sharp change of extreme temperature indexes occurred in Gansu Province in recent 50 years.

Key words: extreme temperature, spatial distribution, decadal variation, Gansu Province