The Effect of Relative Humidity and Sunshine Duration in Microclimate of Port Harcourt

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the intricate relationship between relative humidity, sunshine duration, and the microclimate of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to inform sustainable urban planning, architectural design, and public health strategies in tropical regions. Utilizing historical meteorological data, this research analyzes the seasonal and diurnal variations of relative humidity and sunshine hours. The methodology involves data acquisition from reputable online archives, data cleaning and validation, descriptive statistics, temporal analysis, and correlation analysis to establish patterns and relationships between these climatic variables. The analysis reveals consistently high relative humidity in Port Harcourt throughout the year, significantly impacting thermal comfort. Sunshine duration exhibits pronounced seasonal variations, with a peak in the dry season and a considerable reduction during the rainy season. An inverse relationship between relative humidity and sunshine duration is observed, where high humidity often coincides with reduced solar radiation. This interplay creates a dynamic microclimatic environment, posing challenges for human comfort and urban energy management. The findings underscore the critical need for climate-responsive urban planning and design strategies. Recommendations include prioritizing passive design, promoting green infrastructure, utilizing cool materials, and enhancing pedestrian environments. This study concludes that a holistic approach integrating these strategies is essential for mitigating adverse microclimatic conditions and fostering a more resilient, comfortable, and sustainable urban future for Port Harcourt.