Trend Analysis of Maximum and Minimum Temperature over Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the trend in annual maximum and minimum temperature data in Ebonyi State using data collected from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency of Nigeria. The aim is to reveal the spatial and temporal variation in maximum and minimum temperature from 1984-2015. The study made use of statistical tool like linear regression to depict the trend in annual maximum and minimum temperature over time. Results indicate that maximum temperature possesses steepness in slope of 0.0046? and minimum temperature 0.002?. The maximum temperature equation shows a positive time trend which suggests that maximum temperature of Ebonyi State of Nigeria tends to increase over time. Decadal analysis of the climate variable revealed that the 1994-2003 decade has the highest maximum temperature followed by 2004-2015 decade and then 1984-1993. This shows that the 1984-1993 decade was cooler than the later decade which is a pointer to the increasing temperature being experienced in form of global warming with its attendant environmental consequences. The study therefore recommends that proactive measure like making accurate and appropriate weather and climate data available for planning should be encouraged by all to mitigate these consequences especially on population whose livelihood depends on agriculture that is temperature sensitive.