Observed changes in climate extremes in Nigeria

Abstract

The study presents observed changes in climate extremes using daily precipitation and temperature data over 24 stations, covering the three climatic zones (Guinea coast, Savannah and Sahel) of Nigeria for the period 1971–2013. The data were homogenized with Expert Team on Climate Change Detection Indices (ETCCDI) RHtests version 4 software. RClimDex version 1.0 software was used to calculate 17 of the ETCCDI recommended precipitation and temperature extreme indices. The spatio-temporal variation in the observed trends was analysed over each of the climatic zone. Results show a significant increase in the frequencies of warm spell, warm days and nights and decreasing cold spell, cold days and nights over the three climatic zones. A significant increase in annual total precipitation was found in some stations across the Guinea coast and Sahel zones. Changes in consecutive dry days and consecutive wet days are non-significant in most stations. Also, a significant increase in extremely wet days was observed in a few stations across the three climatic zones. The implication of the observed warming could, however, result in thermal discomfort of lives in areas with significant positive trends. This could also exert pressure on the economy’s power sector, as energy demand for cooling will increase. The increase in total annual precipitation will potentially be favourable for hydropower generation and increase the availability of the potable water supply for both industrial and domestic uses in the country. However, the increase in consecutive dry days and the decrease in consecutive wet days are dangerous for agricultural practices and, hence, food security.