RAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE ANOMALIES AT SOKOTO 1991 - 2010

Abstract

This study examines the rainfall and temperature anomalies at Sokoto for the period 1991 - 2010. The data on monthly rainfall and temperature of Sokoto were collected from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Sultan Abubakar III International Airport. Sokoto respectively. Simple linear regression and coefficient (r) simple correlation analysis was used to fit the trend in annual rainfall amount, mean monthly temperature (minimum and maximum) for the period of the study. Data analysis was carried out by statistical package of the social science (SPSS) and also Microsoft excel program were used to input and drawing of chart or graph was also used to det ermine the trend in annual rainfall amount, mean monthly temperature (min and max for the period of the study. The student’s ’test was also used to test the significance of the correlation. Detailed analysis of the result showed that there was a downward t rend in annual rainfall amount; no significant trend in mean minimum temperature over the period of the study. However, an upward trend was observed in the period 1991 - 2010. The study recommends that the shelter belt should be plan ted in cushion the effect of the changing climate in the area. The study suggests that the study on the impact of climatic variability on human welfare should be conducted.