The aim of the work was to detect trends and climate variations in monthly maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) air temperature series of the State of São Paulo. In order to obtain a better balance between the probabilities associated with type I and II errors, parametric methods (tests t, F and the likelihood ratio test) and non-parametric methods (Seasonal Mann-Kendall test and Pettitt test) were used. In the series of Campinas-SP, Cordeirópolis-SP, Ribeirão Preto-SP and, especially Ubatuba-SP, strong evidences of climate trends and climate variations in the last 60 years were detected. In the Monte Alegre do Sul-SP and Pindorama-SP series such climate alterations were not observed. It was also observed that the significance level of climate changes in the Tmax series are lower than those observed in the Tmin series. In the Ubatuba-SP series the highest climate alteration level, among all analyzed Tmax and Tmin series was detected. It was observed that the April months were the most affected by climate changes. On the other hand, the September months were little affected by climate change, in all analyzed Tmax and Tmin series.
climate trends; climate variation; climate change
