Issue 2, Volume 3 – 2 articles

Cover Story (View full-size image):
The Koliba–Corubal River Basin, shared by Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, is a strategic freshwater system supporting ecosystems, agriculture, hydropower, and rural livelihoods across West Africa. This study explores how climate change may reshape the basin over the twenty-first century using an ensemble of four CMIP6 climate models under the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. By analyzing six precipitation and four temperature extreme indices recommended by the ETCCDI, the study reveals contrasting future trajectories: a general decline in several precipitation extremes alongside a marked intensification of temperature extremes, particularly under the high-emission scenario. Spatial analyses identify mountainous headwaters as climate hotspots where changes are expected to be most pronounced. These findings emphasize the growing need for climate-resilient water management, transboundary cooperation, and adaptation strategies capable of protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems. The cover illustrates the transition from today's hydroclimatic conditions to a warmer and increasingly variable future across the Koliba–Corubal watershed.
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Open Access

Article

08 May 2026

Daily Variability of Climatic Projection Extremes Indices of Precipitation and Temperature in the Koliba-Corubal Watershed (Guinea and Guinea-Bissau)

Climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events in West Africa, threatening water resources and livelihoods. The Koliba-Corubal transboundary basin (Guinea-Guinea-Bissau), located primarily outside the Sahel region, constitutes a major freshwater resource for the area. This study analyzes the future daily variability of extreme rainfall and temperatures in this basin using CMIP6 projections. Four climate models (GFDL-ESM4, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, UKESM1-0-LL, IPSL-CM6A-LR) under the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios were used. Six extreme precipitation indices (R99p, Rx3day, Rx5day, SDII, CWD, R20mm) and four extreme temperature indices (TN90p, TNx, TX90p, TXx) were calculated for three time horizons (2021–2050, 2051–2080, 2071–2100) and compared to the reference period 1985–2014. Extreme precipitation decreases considerably in both scenarios (under SSP1-2.6, −45.4% for R99p and −42.0% for Rx3day compared to the reference period 1985–2014), with a marked downward trend at the beginning of the period followed by an increase around 2100 under SSP5-8.5 (R99p: −37.4%; Rx3day: −20.2%). Concurrently, extreme temperatures are increasing significantly, particularly under SSP5-8.5, where TN90p is projected to increase by 169.7% by 2071–2100. Mann-Kendall tests confirm significant trends for most indices under the highest emissions scenario. The spatial distribution shows marked heterogeneity, with higher values in the central mountain areas. These results underscore the urgent need to adapt water resource management strategies and agricultural policies in this transboundary basin in the face of the projected intensification of climate extremes by the end of the century.

Open Access

Correction

22 May 2026
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