EFFECT OF EXTREME CLIMATE ON HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL DISCOMFORT IN JOS METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE

Amid rising global climate concerns, Jos Metropolis in Nigeria, a high-altitude city historically known for temperate conditions, now experiences abrupt temperature fluctuations (“Jos weather”) that induce significant physiological discomfort. This study investigated (i) specific weather conditions causing discomfort, (ii) the nature and extent of discomfort during extreme heat/cold, (iii) the most affected demographic groups, and (iv) coping strategy effectiveness. A descriptive survey design was adopted targeting 1,101,300 residents of Jos North and South LGAs (NPC, 2022). Using Taro Yamane’s formula, 400 respondents were selected via stratified random sampling. A validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.818) and Landsat-derived LST analysis (2014–2024) were employed. Results revealed extreme heat and cold spells as primary drivers, causing respiratory issues, dehydration, and joint pain, worsened by urban expansion (+7.474 km² built-up area). The elderly are most vulnerable, with significant demographic differences (ANOVA F(3,379) = 6.247, p = 0.001) and a strong climate-discomfort relationship (r = 0.672, p < 0.001). Current coping strategies offer only moderate relief. The study recommends portable fans, insulated clothing, cooling centres, N95 mask distribution, GIS-based vulnerability mapping, and aggressive green infrastructure development to mitigate escalating health risks in Jos Metropolis.