Method
Mean Annual Temperature
Mean annual temperature (MAT, in °C) represents the very broadest of indices of the environmental status of a location. Although it integrates and smooths the effects of diurnal, monthly and seasonal patterns of maximum and minimum temperatures, it is nevertheless used as a general first guide to determine the suitability of a location for specific crops.
MAT was calculated from daily temperatures. More detail is provided in the section Background: Climate Change Modelling.
The modelling for the intermediate future (2050s) was conducted using five different CMIP3 GCMs (Schulze, 2011).
Maps
Map Information
The Klein Karoo (West) has a historical MAT of 16-18°C (regional average). This is marginal for pome fruit production (mainly pear) but suited to stone fruit production. Climate model projections for the intermediate future (mid-century) show an increase of around 2.2°C.