Temperature
Research shows that in Navrongo temperatures will range between 33 (in 2000) and 38oC by 2050 (Fig 1).
Currently minimum temperatures ranged between 15.6 and 20.6oC, with an average of 19.2oC. and maximum temperatures range between 38.0 and 42.8oC, with an average of 40.4oC. The observed trends are not significant for maximum temperature but minimum temperatures show some slight increase.
Fig. 1: Expected changes in temperature (in degrees Celsius) until 2050
Rainfall
Rainfall is expected to range between 450mm - 980mm by the year 2050 (Fig 2).
Currently, annual rainfall amounts ranged between 688 and 1365 mm, with an average of 969 mm over the 30-year period. This means that there is the likelihood of a fall in the maximum rainfall from 1365mm to 980mm which will have adverse effects on crops.
Fig. 2: Expected changes in rainfall (in mm) until 2050
How were the results obtained?
Baseline climatic data for 2012 were obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency in Accra. For future projections (2040–2069), five general circulation models were used. Future climate scenarios were produced using the delta method. This involves adjusting daily historical observations to match mean monthly climate changes in temperature and percentage changes in rainfall, as determined by the simulations over the 1980–2009 baseline period.