Evaluation and Projection of Diurnal Temperature Range in Maize Cultivation Areas in China Based on CMIP6 Models

The diurnal temperature range (DTR) is an important meteorological component affecting maize yield. accuracy of climate models simulating DTR directly affects the projection production. We evaluate ability 26 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) to simulate during 1961–2014 in cultivation areas with observation (CN05.1), and project under different shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios. root mean square error (RMSE), standard deviation (SD), Kling-Gupta efficiency (KGE) comprehensive rating index (CRI) are used evaluation optimal model. results show that CMIP6 can generally reproduce spatial distribution. reproducibility annual average better than China but lower for maize-growing season. model (EC-Earth3-Veg-LR) projection. Under two SSPs, decreases compared historical period, especially Northwest North China. SSP245 remains unchanged (annual) or increases slightly (growing season) 2015–2050, while a significant decreasing trend observed SSP585. This highlights importance evaluating areas, which helpful further improve yield prediction.