Assessment of the bioclimatic conditions over some selected stations in Nigeria

Abstract

This study seeks to assess the bioclimatic conditions of some selected stations in Nigeria from 1981 to 2010 using meteorological data input from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). The specific objectives were to analyze the spatiotemporal variability of the key weather parameters critical to bioclimatic conditions, evaluate the monthly and seasonal variation of the bioclimatic conditions and analyze the spatiotemporal variation of the human bioclimatic conditions over the area. The study applied the use of two bioclimatic indices, namely physiological equivalent temperature (PET) and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). PET was computed using the RayMan model, while UTCI was computed using the Bioklima model. The bioclimatic conditions were observed to vary seasonally as thermal stress levels particularly increased in the months of March to May and these months correspond to the pre-wet period of the year. The conditions, however, improved during the wet and dry periods. The early hours of the day (0600 Local Standard Time) were characterized mostly by no thermal stress conditions; however, the northern regions were cooler than the other parts of the country. The frequency of thermal stress categories for each station also revealed the threshold of the thermal stress condition over each station. The result from this study provides useful bioclimatic information applicable in the development of adaptive strategies and efficient planning with respect to the thermal environment.

Mid-afternoon Outdoor Biometeorological Conditions in a Hot-humid Climate of Minna in Nigeria, West Africa during the Year 2012

“…However, the decrease in the number of days with strong thermal stress conditions expected during the rainy months (April to October) when relative humidity and vapour pressure is high is only noticeable in PET; this disparity is mainly a result of the slight difference in the definition of reference environment for simulating both indices (UTCI: relative humidity 50% but vapour pressure =< 20hPa, PET: relative humidity 50% but vapour pressure =12 hPa), this study observed that during May to October when relative humidity and pressure are high due to high moisture content in the study area UTCI yielded a higher number of days with strong heat stress category than PET (Table 3), this also agree with the findings of [16] (arid se in the number of days with strong thermal stress conditions expected during the rainy months (April to October) when relative humidity and vapour pressure is high is only noticeable in PET; this disparity is mainly a result of the slight difference he definition of reference environment for simulating both indices (UTCI: relative humidity 50% but vapour pressure =< 20hPa, PET: relative humidity 50% but vapour pressure =12 hPa), this study observed that during May to October when relative humidity and vapour pressure are high due to high moisture content in the study area UTCI yielded a higher number of days with strong heat stress category than PET (Table 3), this also agree with the findings of Matzarakis et al [12] (temperate climate). The relationship between both indices and wind speed is negative and similar to the findings of Balogun et al [27] in the hot-humid climate of Nigeria, although contrary findings were reported in an arid climate [16] and temperate climate [11]. Global solar radiation correlated positively with both indices.…”

“…August is characterized by a cloudy atmosphere and cooler soil conditions, according to Adefisan et al [40]. The air temperature was observed to have the most substantial influence on thermal stress conditions; this agrees with the findings of Balogun et al [27]; Akin [25] (hot-humid climate), Vatani et al [41] climate); Blazejczyk et al [11] climate). Relative humidity inversely associated with both indices, similar to Zare et al climate).…”

“…The study result shows that thermal comfort varies seasonally with an increased level of discomfort during the transition to wet months (TWS) and dry months (DM) while thermal comfort improved during the little dry season (LDS), the temperature was observed to be the highest contributor to thermal discomfort level. Balogun et al [27] calculated the PET and UTCI of selected meteorological stations in Nigeria at 06:00LST and 15:00LST. The result depicted an increase in thermal discomfort level from March to May and improved comfort conditions during the wet periods, 06:00LST characterized by "no thermal stress".…”

“…The Sudan-savannah and Sahelian climate regions of Nigeria are characterized by hightemperature values all year round [27], which calls for more study of the thermal environment on the regional and local scale. Previous effort to quantify the outdoor atmospheric impact on Minna metropolis's human body was based on simple indices that are just combinations of meteorological parameters [29].…”

A pharmacognostic approach, including phytochemical and GC-MS analysis, targeted towards the authentication of Strobilanthes jomyi P. Biju, Josekutty, Rekha & J.R.I.Wood

“…Colours are produced by the samples with different chemical reagents that act as an active constituent present in the visible range in day length. Each fluorescent characteristic is different, so fluorescent analysis is one of the significant experimental setups to estimate the pharmacognostic quality of crude drugs (30). The fluorescent study of S. jomyi is the first report on the Strobilathes genus itself.…”