An Analysis of Climate Variables in Cameroon from 1961 to 2020

Abstract

This article addresses climate variability in Cameroon by analysing decadal trends in selected climate parameters and their relationships during 1961–2020. Satellite and reanalysis data were obtained from the Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA). Python 3, Panoply, Climate Data Operators (CDO) and Ubuntu-based tools were used to assess decadal changes in air temperature, precipitation, sea surface temperature (SST) and wind, as well as selected relationships using the Mann-Kendall test and Pearson correlation. The results show progressive warming across most regions, becoming widespread from the 2000s, together with a gradual increase in SST in the maritime zone. Precipitation shows contrasting spatiotemporal dynamics across decades, although the 1991–2000 decade indicates a notable return of rainfall in several areas. Prevailing winds remain relatively stable in the low-level atmospheric circulation pattern, corresponding to the West African monsoon flow, with slight variations during 2001–2010. The relationship between precipitation and SST is generally positive but moderate, while the relationship between precipitation and air temperature shows strong spatiotemporal variability, including both positive and negative correlations. These findings indicate marked variability in Cameroon’s climate system and highlight the need for continued monitoring of regional climate dynamics to support climate-sensitive socioeconomic activities and adaptation planning.