Extreme climatic events to intensify over the Lake Victoria Basin under global warming

Sci Rep. 2023 Jun 15;13(1):9729. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-36756-3.

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of future precipitation patterns over the Lake Victoria Basin, East Africa, using bias-corrected CMIP6 model projections. A mean increase of about 5% in mean annual (ANN) and seasonal [March-May (MAM), June-August (JJA), and October-December (OND)] precipitation climatology is expected over the domain by mid-century (2040-2069). The changes intensify towards the end of the century (2070-2099) with an increase in mean precipitation of about 16% (ANN), 10% (MAM), and 18% (OND) expected, relative to the 1985-2014 baseline period. Additionally, the mean daily precipitation intensity (SDII), the maximum 5-day precipitation values (RX5Day), and the heavy precipitation events-represented by the width of the right tail distribution of precipitation (99p-90p)-show an increase of 16%, 29%, and 47%, respectively, by the end of the century. The projected changes have a substantial implication for the region-which is already experiencing conflicts over water and water-related resources.

MeSH terms

  • Africa, Eastern
  • Forecasting
  • Global Warming*
  • Lakes*
  • Seasons