Trend in Heavy Rainfall Over the Guinea Savanna Zone, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy rainfall which implies an accumulated rainfall of 50 mm and above/day (24 hours) is witnessed in Nigeria during the wet season hence this research. The research was aimed at examining the trend of heavy rainfall in the Guinea Savanna Zone, Nigeria (GSZN). Daily rainfall (mm) data spanning from 1981 – 2015 obtained from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Oshodi, Lagos; were used. Results were presented in both table and figures, While the non-parametric test-man Kendall slope method was used for analysis. The research concluded that a significant positive trend in heavy rainfall over the study area with great variability across the data collection points was observed. This is likely to give rise to more flooding. The recommendations focused on similar research to be conducted in other ecological zone in Nigeria as well as heavy rainfall forecasting and construction of more drainage network.