Climate Chronicles: ...

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of precipitation, temperature, and wind pressure dynamics across Nigeria's Niger Delta from 1990 to 2023. Using a longitudinal research approach, satellite-derived climate data (ERA5 for temperature/wind pressure; CHIRPS for precipitation) was integrated with geospatial analytics to assess spatiotemporal trends in seven states: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers. Daily climate variables were aggregated into annual mea ns and analyzed via descriptive statistics and trend mapping. Findings reveal three core climatic shifts: Precipitation exhibited high intra-regional variability, with coastal cities (Calabar, Yenagoa) maintaining consistently high rainfall (6.5–9.4 mm/day) but experiencing intensified extremes (e.g., Yenagoa’s 2021 peak: 9.35 mm/day). Inland areas (Akure, Benin) showed declining trends post-2000, punctuated by periods of reduced precipitation (2013–2015) and erratic recovery phases. Temperature demonstrated constant warming, with mean annual increases of 1.5–2.0°C region wide. The 2020s marked the warmest period, evidenced by unprecedented peaks (Uyo: 27.72°C in 2020; Yenagoa: 27.96°C in 2020), aligning with global heating trend. Wind pressure displayed episodic volatility, lacking a directional trend but featuring record anomalies. The 2015 peak (101,189–101,240 Pa across stations) contrasted sharply with 2008 lows (101,070–101,078 Pa), reflecting sensitivity to mesoscale atmospheric oscillations. The convergence of these trends—increasing rainfall irregularity, accelerated warming, and wind volatility—has profound implications such as flooding and saltwater intrusion threaten coastal settlements. These findings underscore the Niger Delta’s acute vulnerability to anthropogenic climate change and necessitate integrated adaptation strategies prioritizing water-resilient infrastructure, heat-responsive urban design, and early-warning systems for hydro-meteorological hazards.