Seasonal Variation of Linesqualls and Thunderstorm Activities in Yola

Abstract

This study investigates the seasonal variation of linesqualls and thunderstorm activities with particular respect to the relationship between linesquall, thunderstorm and precipitation occurrence using correlation analysis. Data on linesquall and thunderstorm occurrence, rainfall amount associated with the occurrence of the two conditions and total annual precipitation for the period under review were obtained from the meteorological services department pf the Ministry of Aviation, Yola. Questionnaires were administered to assess the level of awareness and the impact of the two systems on the people in the study area. While linesqualls were found to have a double maxima with the break occurrence in August, thunderstorms on the other hand showed a single maximum regime with its peak occurrence in August. The result shows significant positive relationship between linesquall and thunderstorm. The results further show that 98% of rainfall occurrence in Yola is associated with linesquall and thunderstorm activities. 97% of the respondents are aware of its existence, 97% agreed that the two systems were natural phenomena while estimates of properties lost in damage runs into millions of naira. Appropriate recommendations were proffered in respect of the study area.