Influence of Land Use Land Cover Changes on Local Weather Variables in Jimeta, Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study examines the influence of land use land cover (LULC) on key weather variables (rainfall, land surface temperature (LST), relative humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed) in Jimeta, Adamawa State, between 2004 and 2024. Data were obtained from CHRS gridded rainfall, Landsat thermal infrared imagery for LST, and ground-based measurements from the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA). LULC analysis revealed a substantial increase in built-up areas from 2,204.82 ha in 2004 to 4,269.42 ha in 2024, accompanied by declines in vegetation (4,110.91–2,417.67 ha), bare land (793.14461.79 ha), and water bodies (479.03–439.02 ha), reflecting rapid urban expansion. Rainfall ranged from 1,576–1,726 mm (2004), 1,829–2,019 mm (2014), and 1,686–1,756 mm (2024), with higher concentrations in central and eastern neighborhoods. LST increased from 18.1– 33.3°C in 2004 to 23.7–35.4°C in 2024, indicating intensified urban heat island effects. Correlation analysis showed that water bodies were strongly positively correlated with humidity (r = 1.000, p < 0.05), while built-up areas were strongly negatively correlated with humidity (r = –1.000, p < 0.05). Vegetation showed a strong positive correlation with humidity (r = 0.997) and a slight negative correlation with LST (r = –0.140), confirming its cooling effect, whereas bare land exhibited weak correlations. The findings demonstrate that urban expansion and vegetation loss significantly influence the local microclimate. The study recommends urban greening, improved drainage, climate-sensitive planning, renewable energy management, and local monitoring to promote climate-resilient urban development and reduce weather-related health risks in Jimeta.