Urban Warming in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined urban effects on the temperature of Benin City. The data used for this study were generated from archives of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Benin City and the Agrometeorological Station of NIFOR, and mobile transverse method of collecting temperature data at different land use types in the urban canopy for one year. Paired t-test and analysis of variance were used to determine the differences in temperature in the area. The findings revealed an urban bias of 4.4˚C, and variation of 5.5˚C in temperature within the urban canopy, which confirmed the concept of urban heat island. It also showed an urban-rural temperature differential of 0.5˚C, which indicated an urban warming of 2% over its rural areas. Daily temperature revealed that the working days are warmer than the weekends. High rate of anthropogenic activities, which act as drivers of heat island in the urban area accounted for the increase in temperature.