Meteorological Drought and Temperature in Sudano-Sahelian Region of Nigeria under Increasing Global Warming

Abstract

This study examinesmeteorological drought and temperature in the Sudano-Sahelian region of Nigeria under increasing global warming. Rainfall data of 60 years (1961 to 2020) and temperature of 40 years (1981–2020) for nine stations were used to quantify drought occurrences as well as the pattern of temperature. The Bhalme and Mooley Drought Index (BMDI) and Student’s t-test were used to indicate if changes have occurred in the amount of rainfall and temperature (increase or decrease) over space and time in the study region. The BMDI was used because it is simple and able to depict historically documented droughts better than other indices. The student’s t-test was used to determine if the sub-period means of the series have altered significantly over time. Results show that the spatial and temporal occurrence and duration varied from one sub-area to another. Also, its intensity was mainly from mild to moderate. Results also show a consistent alternation between drought and wet years over the study period. The trend of temperature shows a tendency towards decreasing temperature during the period of study although it was not significant. The study concludes that the study region experiences climate variability that may well be part of global climate change.

Rainfall and Temperature Variations in a Dry Tropical Environment of Nigeria

“…This shows that there is a moderate drought index experienced in the zone. Ati et al [26] examined meteorological drought and temperature in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Nigeria from 60-year and 40-year rainfall and temperature data respectively. It was revealed using the Bhalme and Mooley Drought Index (BMDI) that mild to moderate drought exists in the zone.…”

Evolution of the Climate of the Earth

“…This has not happened and instead, the climatic changes and weather have become much more extreme with many parts of the world becoming warmer. However, this is not occurring every where, e.g., the Sahel zone in west Africa undergoes alternating warm dry periods with cooler wet weather with a periodicity yet to be determined [85].…”

Comprehensive Analysis of Rainfall Variability in Urban Maiduguri, Nigeria: Implications for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development

“…Over the past decades, a global increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events has been observed, emphasizing the importance of comprehending climatic shifts (Environmental Protection Agency, 2020). Changes in the climatological average of fundamental indicators serve as clear indications of climate change [2,3,4]. Maiduguri, situated in northeastern Nigeria, is not exempt from the broader global trend of climate variability and the associated surge in extreme weather occurrences [3].…”

“…Extreme weather events, including floods, pose significant challenges to both natural ecosystems and human settlements [5,6,7,8]. The relationship between climate variability and these events has far-reaching implications, impacting various facets of urban life, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability [1,4]. Rainfall variability introduces uncertainties, posing challenges for effective climate adaptation [1].…”