Have you ever wondered why some places in the world are much hotter compared to others? While many factors contribute to the varying temperatures across the world, the hot sun temperature is undeniably a significant one. In this article, we will dig deep into the factors that cause extreme heat in some places of the world, with a special focus on Nigeria's Lokoja region.
The sun is the primary source of heat on Earth, and it emits a significant amount of energy towards our planet. This energy comes in the form of ultraviolet rays, visible light and infrared radiation. The Earth's atmosphere absorbs and reflects some of this energy, but the majority of it reaches the planet's surface, leading to high temperatures.
One of the critical factors that cause extreme heat in some places of the world is the angle at which the sun's rays hit the Earth's surface. When the sun's rays hit the earth's surface at an oblique angle, the rays have to travel through a more extended path through the atmosphere, which results in a dissipation of the energy. However, when the rays hit the surface at a perpendicular angle, less energy is dispersed, resulting in hotter temperatures.
Another factor that contributes to hotter temperatures is the Earth's position in relation to the sun. The Earth orbits the sun in an elliptical path, and during some parts of the year, it's closer to the sun than during others. When the Earth is closer to the sun, its rays are more intense, leading to higher temperatures.
Human activities such as deforestation, urbanisation and industrialisation have also contributed significantly to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap the sun's heat energy, leading to a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. This effect increases the Earth's temperature, leading to extreme heat in some regions of the world.
Now let's focus on the Lokoja region in Nigeria, which is known for its scorching hot temperatures. Located within the tropics, Lokoja receives direct sunlight throughout the year, leading to high temperatures. Nigeria, in general, is hot because of the country's location near the equator. One such place that is notorious for its hot sun temperature is Lokoja, Nigeria. Located near the equator, the city experiences a tropical savanna climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The average temperature in Lokoja ranges from 25-36°C (77-97°F), with the hottest months being March, April, and May. So, why is it so hot in Lokoja and other tropical regions around the world? The answer lies in the Earth's axial tilt and the resulting changes in the angle of the sun's rays. The Earth is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. This means that different parts of the Earth receive different amounts of sunlight at different times of the year.
Moreover, the high population density, combined with rapid urbanisation, has led to an increase in the number of heat-absorbing surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. These surfaces trap heat, causing temperatures to rise further, leading to heatwaves and increased risks of heat-related illnesses.
In conclusion, temperature extremes in some parts of the world are caused by a mixture of natural and human-made factors. While we cannot control natural factors such as the sun's position or angle of the sun's rays, we can take steps to mitigate human-made contributions such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing strategies that reduce temperatures in urban areas. It's crucial to address these issues and protect vulnerable communities from the dangers of extreme heat.