Anomalies and trends assessment for rainfall and temperatures in Zaria and environs, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study area is located within the region of a very high climatic variation which may impact negatively to the immediate environment. The study aimed to assess meteorological parameters such as rainfall and temperatures to prepare for the occurrence of future climatic extremes. The study used anomaly and linear trends on the variables to determine climate change. The study made use of meteorological variables recorded for the period of 30 years (1991-2020). Anomaly was used in determining the annual amount of rainfall (surplus or deficit/dry); warm, cool or normal temperatures. Linear trend analysis was carried out on meteorological variables to determine an increase or decrease during the three decades under review. The result from the anomaly showed many years of wet/surplus while few years of deficit/dry. Temperatures showed the years with warm or cool temperatures. Rainfall shows 12 years of wet and 18 years of dry. Out of 12 years with wets, 11 years were between 2001-2017. Maximum temperature shows 17 years warmer than normal; 13 years shows cooler than normal. Out of 17 years that showed warmer maximum temperatures, 16 years were between 2001-2020. The minimum temperature shows 13 years with a warmer minimum temperature. Out of 13 years with warm, 12 years were between 2001-2020. Average temperature shows 17 years with warm while 13 years with cool. Out of the 17 years with warm, 12 years were between 2001-2020. Results from the trend analysis revealed that rainfall, average temperature, and maximum and minimum temperatures had positive trends with 8.86mm, 0.992℃, 0.143℃ and 0.0639℃ respectively.