Lightning signature as an index for the determination of the beginning of the planting season in Nigeria

West African rains are mainly due to the squall-line activities. Squall lines are groups of active thunderstorm clouds that are aligned with the ITCZ in front. The clouds are electrically active and 90% of lightning recorded occurs during squall lines associated thunderstorms. The results of measurements of lightning count from 1986 to date for Nigeria are presented in this work. Data obtained from other West African countries are also compared with them. The maximum lightning count occur mid-way between the north most position to the ITCZ and the ocean; shows a diurnal variation dependent on the movement of ITCZ that has very strong dependence on solar activities via evaporation and wind speed and direction. The minimum count is recorded during the ITCZ's recession and behind it. The applications to agricultural practices in West Africa are discussed. African Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 5(2) 2004: 28-33