Heat Wave In Nigeria, Why EveryWhere Just HOT?

With the recent heat wave we have seen temperatures soaring as high as 42°C in some regions, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a Heat Stress Watch, warning that high temperatures and humidity will cause extreme discomfort, especially in states like Kebbi, Jalingo, Yola, Lafia, Minna, and Makurdi.

A heat wave, sometimes referred to as extreme heat, is a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures.^[1] ^[2][3] It is generally defined as lasting for at least five consecutive days and is measured relative to the typical climate of a given region and seasonal norms.^[4] One challenge in defining heat waves is determining what constitutes a “normal” temperature and the spatial extent of the event. Temperatures considered typical in hotter climates may be regarded as a heat wave in cooler regions if they exceed the usual climate pattern for that area. Since the 1950s, heat waves have become more frequent and intense across nearly all land areas due to climate change

Overall, temperatures will range between 36°C and 42°C in the North and 34°C to 39°C in the South. The agency cautioned that the combination of high temperatures and humidity will result in increased discomfort, particularly in the North Central, North West, South East, South South, and South West regions.

it is also important to note that, solar flares do not directly cause heat waves on Earth; while they can disrupt Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, the energy they release is primarily reflected or radiated back into space, and the warming trend we see is primarily due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

Group Of People Mostly Affected By The Extreme Heat.

the majority of people mostly affected by the extreme heat in the region are;

Infants and children – Their bodies struggle to regulate temperature.Pregnant women – Dehydration can lead to complications like low birth weight, early labor, and stillbirth.
Elderly individuals – They are more prone to heatstroke and dehydration.
People with chronic illnesses – Heat stress worsens conditions like hypertension and asthma.