Analyses of Spatial Distribution and Temporal Trends of Temperature and Its Extremes over Nigeria using Climate Indices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2022.4635Keywords:
Climate indices, Climate change, Global warming, Nigeria, Spatial distribution, Temporal trendsAbstract
Climate change and its associated extreme climate and extreme events are threat to man and his environment. Over the years, climatic parameters have been used as climate change indicators to study climate change. In order to access extreme climate due to climate change in Nigeria, this paper attempt to evaluate spatial distribution and temporal trends of temperature and its extremes over Nigeria for 35 years (1979 - 2013). Daily temperature data used were obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Lagos. The data was subjected to quality checked and homogenization. Climate extreme indices developed by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) was adopted in this study. The data were analysed employing Sen’s slope estimator and Mann-Kendall test. Results revealed that spatial distribution of temperature and its extremes over Nigeria varied across the country, increasing/decreasing mostly towards the northern or the coastal regions. Significant increase was observed at p < 0.05 in the temporal trends of averages of yearly maximum and minimum temperature and hot temperature indices in all the regions in line with the global warming trend. The increase in warm days and warm nights doubled the rate at which cold days and cold nights decreased in most of the study areas. The annual and decadal changes in temperature and its extremes as well as the period under investigation (35 years) were determined. Our findings depict that the country is trending towards a drier and warmer climate which are clear evidence of climate change. The results further suggest that the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert which control the atmospheric condition of the country may be promoter of the observed extreme events caused by climate change in Nigeria. This study discussed contemporary issues in our society which are useful to the general populace, researchers, and policy makers among others.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Spatial distribution of temperature and its extremes over Nigeria varied across the country from one region to another
- Maximum and minimum temperature and hot temperature indices increased significantly (p < 0.05) in all the regions in line with the global warming trend
- The increase in warm days/nights doubled the rate at which cold days/cold nights decreased in most of the regions
- Our findings suggest that Atlantic Ocean and Sahara Desert which control the atmospheric conditions of Nigeria may promote extreme events caused by climate change in Nigeria
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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