Browsing by Author "Obe, Oluwafemi Benjamin"

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    Multi-Country-multi-city characterisation of heat stress and exposure in Africa
    (International Journal of Climatology, 2026-04-21) Morakinyo, Tobi Eniolu; Adeyeri, Oluwafemi E.; Daramola, Mojolaoluwa Toluwalase; Vishal, Bobde; Ishola, Kazeem Abiodun; Obe, Oluwafemi Benjamin; Eresanya, Emmanuel Olaoluwa; Akinsanola, Akintomide Afolayan; Onyutha, Charles; Ayugi, Brian Odhiambo; Nying'uro, Patricia
    This study presents the first continent-wide assessment of long-term (1974–2023) summer heat stress in Africa using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) derived from ERA5-HEAT reanalysis datasets. Employing a grid-specific definition of summer, we analysed UTCI trends across spatial (continental to city scale) and temporal (decadal to hourly) dimensions. While annual UTCI anomalies range 0.2°C–1.6°C, substantial intensification emerges at finer scales. The frequency, duration and spatial extent of ‘very strong’ (38°C–46°C) and ‘extreme’ (≥46°C) heat stress have increased markedly, particularly, in the Sahel. Heatstressed hours (UTCI>32°C) rose by 2%–25% across most countries, with extreme events doubling in 3–5 and 6–8days episodes. City-level analyses reveal escalating risks in large urban centres like Cairo, Lagos and Kano. As climate projections indicate further intensification, the findings underscore the urgent need for targeted heat-health adaptation and early warning systems to protect vulnerable populations across the continent.