SPATIO-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF EXTREME HEAT WAVE EVENTS IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10/3303/jees.2026.0301/034Keywords:
Heatwaves, spatio-temporal, climate change, extreme heat eventsAbstract
This paper presents a comprehensive spatio-temporal analysis of extreme heatwave events in Gombe State, Nigeria, with a focus on four selected Local Government Areas (LGAs): Gombe, Akko, Yamaltu-Deba, and Kwami. Drawing on historical climate data spanning 1970–2024 from WorldClim and CRU TS datasets, alongside recent weather observations (2022–2026), the study examines temperature trends, as well as the frequency, intensity, and spatial distribution of heatwave events across the region. The results reveal a statistically significant warming trend of +0.18°C per decade (R² = 0.385), with more accelerated warming observed after the year 2000. Seasonally, March and April are identified as the most critical heatwave months, during which maximum temperatures reach as high as 43°C (109°F). Spatial analysis further shows clear intra-state variability, with urbanized LGAs—particularly Gombe and Akko—experiencing higher heatwave intensity due to urban heat island effects. In contrast, rural LGAs exhibit comparatively lower but still increasing heat exposure. Overall, the findings provide robust, localized evidence of intensifying heat extremes in the Sudano-Sahelian region and underscore the urgent need for targeted climate adaptation strategies and public health interventions.
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