  The effect of electron temperature on the space-time evolution of nonlinear
plasma oscillations in an inhomogeneous plasma is studied using a
one-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) code. In contrast to the conventional
wisdom, it is found that for an inhomogeneous plasma, there exists a critical
value of electron temperature beyond which wave breaking does not occur. This
novel result, which is of relevance to present day laser plasma experiments,
has been explained on the basis of interplay between electron thermal pressure
and background inhomogeneity.
