Hotter Futures: Understanding Heat Index Exposure in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

This article draws attention to the expanding literature on extreme weather events using Southwest Nigeria as a direct entry point. It responds to the absence of heat index calculations in the chief urban centres of Southwestern Nigerian landscapes. We utilised meteorological data from Ibadan, Akure, and Osogbo over 16 years, and matched them with field survey data to evaluate the heat index in this region. We calculated the Heat Index for all years using these meteorological data and interpreted the results with a categorised Heat Index Chart. Meanwhile, the study employed Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) to test the relationship between the Heat Index and Time. Key findings recorded varied degrees of heat index across the cities. These cities have remained largely in extreme caution and danger zones for 4 years. In 2012, Ibadan recorded 42°C and crossed into the danger zone, confirming how deep-seated heatwaves have become. This presents heat as a product of uneven urbanisation and not simply a climatic process. Secondly, we found a positive correlation between the heat index and time, leading to health disorders across the Southwest and uneven socio-ecological trajectories. Results indicate that socially produced heat makes populations vulnerable to health issues such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and dehydration. Recommendations include urban greening rooted in volunteerism.