Effect of some weather elements on human thermal comfort in Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Atmospheric conditions such as relative humidity, temperature, wind, solar radiation, air pollution and precipitation greatly affect living creatures. There is always a certain limit beyond which these conditions are no longer tolerable by them. Whenever the limit is exceeded, stress, discomfort and disaster, are inevitable. Proper study on the evaluation of human comfort is yet to be given much needed attention in many parts of Nigeria in general and Niger state in particular. The effect of climatic variables on human comfort has become a major concern affecting the well-being of people of the people of Bida. This study examined the trend in temperature and relative humidity in relation with human comfort in Bida. The objectives of the study includes; examination of the trend and variation of temperature and relative humidity in the study area; assessment of the effect of temperature and relative humidity on human comfort and examination of the proportions of stressed and unstressed peoples. To achieve these, Monthly data of Temperature, Relative Humidity and Vapour pressure for eleven years (2004-2014) was obtained from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) office, Bida which was used to calculate the Relative Strain Index(𝑅𝑆𝐼) and Discomfort Index (DI). The results showed that there is an increase in temperature and relative humidity over the years under study with the values reaching its peak in 2011 and the variation was well marked. The discomfort levelwas well pronounced in the months of March, April, and May while the heat stress becomes moderate in the months of January, July, August, September and December. At all these months, 80% of humans and animals are not comfortable due to hot and humid weather condition. Tree planting is encouraged as it helps in the absorption of Carbon-dioxide and lessen ozone emanations from vehicles. The review of the master plan of Bida is recommended to cater for well defined environment through adequate spacing of structures that will allow free flow of low level winds that support atmospheric thermal reduction. It was also recommended that education and awareness of daily weather conditions in the area be given utmost priority.