TREND AND SPATIAL VARIATIONS OF ANNUAL TEMPERATURE RANGE (ATR) IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Significant temperature differences occur throughout different locations and seasons in Nigeria, as with many tropical nations. The Annual Temperature Range (ATR) has raised concerns because of its potential effects on socioeconomic activities, agriculture, and health. This study examines the trends and spatial variations of ATR across Nigeria. The maximum and minimum temperature data were collected from the NASA Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER), while the monthly mean minimum and maximum temperature differences were calculated using an Excel Sheet to obtain the ATR. Descriptive, inferential statistics and spatial analysis were employed in testing the data. The results of the study show that Northern states like Kano (33.9°C), Jigawa (33.7°C), and Borno (33.2°C) have higher ATR values and southern coastal states like Lagos (12°C) and Rivers (18°C) have lower values due to maritime influences. The linear regression and the Mann-Kendall test showed that ATR increased statistically significantly in 11 states, mostly in the northern and central regions of Nigeria, which suggests that the climate is warming in these places. The study emphasises the necessity for region-specific climate adaptation methods to lessen the effects of significant temperature swings by highlighting the impact of urbanisation and meteorological circumstances on ATR variations.