Variabilities in Rainfall Onset, Cessation and Length of Rainy Season for the Various Agro-Ecological Zones of Ghana

• DOI: 10.3390/cli3020416
• Publication Date: 2015-06-15T14:57:58Z
• Authors: Leonard Amekudzi; Edmund Yamba; Kwasi Preko; Ernest Asare; Jeffrey Aryee; Michael Baidu; Samuel Codjoe
• Keywords: Wet season

This paper examines the onset and cessation dates of rainy season over Ghana using rain gauge data from Meteorological Agency (GMet) period 1970–2012. The were determined cumulative curves number days rainfall amount. In addition, inter-annual variability for each climatic zone was assessed wavelet analysis. A clear distinction between characteristics length in various zones is discussed. forest coastal south had their second third dekads March. transition dekad March to April. Late onset, which starts April first May, associated with savannah zone. October November, within 225–240 days. October, 210–220 Furthermore, 170–225 Lastly, September 140–180 bias less than 10 across entire country, root mean square error (RMSE) range 5–25 These findings demonstrate that derived amount are consistent agreement. power spectrum its significant peaks showed evidence country. 2–8- 2–4-year band onsets cessations, whereas 2–4 4–8 years. result has adverse effects on rain-fed agricultural practices, disease control, water resource management, socio-economic activities food security Ghana.