Analysis of Seasonal Temperature Variation on Thunderstorm Activity over Barkin Ladi, Palateau State Nigeria

Abstract

Variation in temperature has been a general concern to scientist due to its direct and indirect effect on meteorological phenomena (thunderstorm). This research work examined the effects of seasonal temperature variation on thunderstorm occurrences over Barkin Ladi area of Plateau State. Thirty five years (1981-2015) of temperature (Max) and thunderstorm (TS) occurrence was extracted from the archive of Nigerian Meteorological Agency Abuja. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using regression and correlation analysis to evaluate the effect of seasonal temperature variation on the occurrence of TS. The analysis revealed that there was a low (weak) relationship between the two variables with R2 0.0004 this implies that only about 0.003% of TS occurrence was as a result of variation in temperature (max) does not have much effect on TS occurrences over the study period. The trend on temperature revealed a positive with the highest record of 27-30⁰c (max). For the TS I show a general fluctuation for both monthly and annually. Based on this outcome it was recommended from the study that since temperature variation has less effect on the occurrences of TS over the study period which may be as a result of other factors which were no considered in the study suck as rainfall, orographic effect and topography. Also that care should be taken during especially during the late afternoon and evening for TS occurrences to avoid its effect on human activities.