Rainfall and temperature changes and variability in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Abstract

The aim of the research was to assess the current trend and variation in rainfall and temperature in the Upper East Region, Ghana, using time series moving average analysis and decomposition methods. Meteorological data obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency in Accra, Ghana, from 1954 to 2014 were used in the models. The additive decomposition model was used to analyze the rainfall because the seasonal variation was relatively constant over time, while the multiplicative model was used for both the daytime and nighttime temperatures because their seasonal variations increase over time. The monthly maximum and the minimum values for the entire period were as follows: rainfall 455.50 and 0.00 mm, nighttime temperature 29.10°C and 13.25°C and daytime temperature 41.10°C and 26.10°C, respectively. Also, while rainfall was decreasing, nighttime and daytime temperatures were increasing in decadal times. Since both the daytime and nighttime temperatures were increasing and rainfall was decreasing, climate extreme events such as droughts could result and affect agriculture in the region, which is predominantly rain fed. Also, rivers, dams, and dugouts are likely to dry up in the region. It was also observed that there was much variation in rainfall making prediction difficult. Day temperatures were generally high with the months of March and April have been the highest. The months of December recorded the lowest night temperature. Inhabitants are therefore advised to sleep in well-ventilated rooms during the warmest months and wear protective clothing during the cold months to avoid contracting climate-related diseases.

Climate variability, water levels, and fish catch in the Upper East Region of Ghana

“…Rainfall had a positive contribution on the level of water in the reservoir. This was in sync with previous studies that established that decreasing rainfall and increasing temperatures in the Upper East Region were responsible for the decreasing trend in water levels in the Tono Reservoir (Issahaku et al., ). Aside from the effect of the temperature changes, field observations around the reservoir indicate that human activities along the catchment area of the reservoir could also contribute to the decreasing trends in the water level in Tono and in the drying up of dugouts in the region.…”

“…Rainfall had a positive contribution on the level of water in the reservoir. This was in sync with previous studies that established that decreasing rainfall and increasing temperatures in the Upper East EXHIBIT 10 Actual annual fish catch (red) and projected annual fish catch (green) in the Upper East Region (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015) [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] Region were responsible for the decreasing trend in water levels in the Tono Reservoir (Issahaku et al, 2016). Aside from the effect of the temperature changes, field observations around the reservoir indicate that human activities along the catchment area of the reservoir could also contribute to the decreasing trends in the water level in Tono and in the drying up of dugouts in the region.…”

“…The average annual rainfall in Ghana decreases from south to north reflecting the different climatic zones of the country. The annual average rainfall of the Upper East Region is 921 mm and ranges between 645 and 1,250 mm (Issahaku et al, 2016). The Tono Reservoir and many others in the Upper East Region were purposely constructed for EXHIBIT 1 Map of the Tono Reservoir (adopted from Akoto, Azuure, & Adotey, 2016) [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] crop production, fish production, and domestic water supply (Gordon, 2006…”

“…To improve the productivity of the Savanna zones of Ghana, several dugouts and impoundments of rivers were provided. However, a continuous reduction in rainfall patterns and increasing day time temperatures makes it impossible to sustain water at levels that enable the achievement of the goals for setting up these impoundments in the northeastern part of Ghana (Issahaku, Campion, & Edziyie, ). For example, in the Bongo District, rainfall has been decreasing at −0.3 millimeters (mm) per annum and maximum temperature has been increasing at 0.005 degrees Celsius (°C) (Atitsogbey, ).…”

One‐Time Fertilizer Briquettes Application for Maize Production in Savanna Agroecologies of Ghana

“…The selected communities are primarily maize cultivation areas, with an average annual rainfall below 1200 mm. The temperatures are generally stable and between a minimum of 17°C in the coolest season and a maximum of 41°C in the hottest season, with average monthly temperatures between 21°C and 34°C during the growing season (Issahaku et al, 2016). The soils of the three experimental sites are acidic to slightly acidic, sandy loam textured with low organic matter content (Table 1).…”