The Intensity and Extent of Thermal Discomfort in Lokoja, Nigeria

Abstract

The degree and coverage of thermal discomfort among the residents of Lokoja, Nigeria were analysed. Data on climatic elements such as temperature, and relative humidity were sourced from the archive of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). Statistical tools like Thom’s Discomfort Index and the Humidex Calculator were used. The results showed that the degree of thermal discomfort in Lokoja varied between “noticeable discomfort” and “evident discomfort”. The percentage of residents of Lokoja affected by thermal discomfort varied from under 50% to over 50%. This means other extreme forms of thermal discomfort like “intense”, “dangerous” and coverage such as everybody feeling stressed or state of medical emergency were not experienced in the town. Various measures that could be put in place and used to ameliorate and mitigate the thermal discomfort that prevail in Lokoja were also recommended in the study.