AN ASSESSMENT OF OUTDOOR HEAT DISCOMFORT IN SOME CITIES OF NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA.

OLATUNDE, A.F.* AND KABIR, A.

This study assessed the outdoor heat discomfort in some cities in Northwestern region of Nigeria. Data on temperature were analysed using the humidex equation in order to determine the intensity and intensity range of heat discomfort in cities that included Sokoto, Gusau, Katsina and Kano as well as the region between 1950 and 2015. This was with the aim to bring out the spatial and temporal differences. Results show that intensity of heat discomfort varied from one month to another as well as yearly. The most pronounced level of intensity was dangerous although in some cases very low intensity of heat discomfort were experienced. Infact, the no discomfort intensity also occurred prominently. This indicated fluctuations in the intensity and intensity ranges of heat discomfort in cities and the region as a whole. Also, certain months (April, May and June) were consistent in the occurrence of heat discomfort although with various intensities from no discomfort to heat stroke probable. These results were presented using pie charts, frequency tables and percentages. The findings in this study necessitated recommendations that include the provision of shelter belts and the need to engage in tree planting, afforestation as well as establishment of green areas in neighbourhoods within cities amongst others.

Key words: Heat, Discomfort, Monthly, Northwestern Nigeria, Outdoor.