Analysis of Rainfall Trends and Patterns in Abuja, Nigeria

Rainfall in Nigeria is highly dynamic and variable on a temporal and spatial scale. This has taken a more pronounced dimension due to climate change. In this paper, Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and Coefficient of Variability statistical tools were employed to analyse rainfall trends and patterns in Abuja between 1986 and 2016. Daily rainfall data of 31 years was used for the study. The daily rainfall data was subjected to several analyses. The result obtained indicated that there is a downward trend in the rainfall amount received in Abuja over the last 31 years. Also, a gradual decadal decline in rainfall was observed using the SPI to compare the three decades under review. Recommendation to build more weather observatories which is a major challenge in sub-Saharan Africa for sufficient climatic data representation especially in the study area as data from one synoptic station was not sufficient for the study was proffered. Mitigation and adaptation strategies especially for meteorological drought should be considered with a view to reducing the effects of climate change.