In the coast region of the Cameroons the climate is warm and moist, with
a high rainfall. The temperature is not excessively high, the heat being
tempered by the cold Benguela current coming northward from the Polar
regions. According to Knox (_The Climate of Africa_) February is the
warmest month and July the coolest, the maximum and minimum temperatures
being 89·7° F. and 66° F. respectively. The mean temperature at Victoria
and Duala is about 77° F. The coast is one of the most unhealthy places
in Africa, but the conditions are considerably better and more suited
to Europeans in the high-lying districts in the north. The climate of
the latter is largely of the continental type, characterised by extremes
of temperature. At Bali the mean temperature is about 64° F., the
maximum 87° to 90° F., and the minimum 43° to 45° F. At Fort Crampel, on
the eastern side of the plateau, the maximum temperature reaches 113°
F., and the minimum 49° F. On the Ngaumdere plateau it is sometimes very
cold, and sleet storms are not uncommon, the temperature sometimes
falling to 37° F.
As regards rainfall, there are as a rule four more or less distinct
seasons in the southern and central regions--the chief dry season at the
beginning of the year, the so-called long wet season from June to
September, a short dry season in October and November, and a short
period of great rainfall in part of November and in December--but the
divisions indicated are by no means well marked. The Adamana district,
situated on the north of the plateau, lies beyond the equatorial beet,
and there are consequently only two seasons, one wet and one dry.
The massive of the Cameroon Mountains presents a district which is
singular with regard to its climate, vegetation and animal life. At its
base is a primeval forest, and the climate is tropical and humid.
Debundja and Bibundo have practically no dry season, the rain being
continuous nearly the whole year round. On the east side, the rainy
season lasts for only two to three months in the year. Buea, which lies
on the lower slopes of the misty region, has a fresh, cool climate, and
is quite free from malaria. The temperature varies frequently, in some
cases from 1·5° to 2° Cent. in the course of two or three minutes.
Instead of the usual heavy tropical rains, it has only a drizzling rain,
and the humidity penetrates everywhere, even the dwellings. On the upper
slopes, when the north-east wind blows, it is icy cold, except at
midday. Hoar frost is frequent and snow fairly so. The mountain is
nearly always cloud-capped, and it is seldom possible to obtain a really
clear view of the summit.
VEGETATION AND FORESTRY.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account