MARINE METEOROLOGICAL
QUARTERLY BULLETIN
VOL X NO I.
JAN – MAR. 2012
PUBLISHED BY THE NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NIMET)
E-mail: marinemetdivision@yahoo.ie
May, 2012
CONTENTS
Pages
Contents
General Terms
Introduction
1
2
3
Quarterly Coastal Weather Review
6
Meteorological Data Outlook for Lagos and Eket Area
8
Day – time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) over the Atlantic
Ocean at Victoria Island, Lagos for Jan. - Mar. 2012
9
Day – time Lagoon Temperature (LT) over Victoria Island,
Lagos for Jan. - Mar. 2012
10
Day- time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) over Eket in
Akwa Ibom, State for Jan. - Mar. 2012
11
Day- time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) over Koko in
Delta State, for Jan. - Mar. 2012
12
Day- time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) over Calabar in
Cross River, State for Jan. - Mar. 2012
13
Sample of Daily Marine Weather Forecast
14
Weather Outlook for the next Quarter
17
PUBLISHED BY THE NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY
Tel: 234-8037879565; 234-8O23213456,
E-mail: marinemetdivision@yahoo.ie
1
GENERAL TERMS
Inter-tropical discontinuity (ITD) - Transitional zone between dry north easterly wind and
moisture laden south westerly winds.
Ridge
- An elongated zone of relatively high atmospheric pressure.
Swell
- Waves at point of observation which have travelled some
distance from the area where they were generated at sea.
Sea Waves
- Sea waves are also known as wind waves. They are waves
raised locally by wind blowing over a stretch of water.
Tide
- The regular rise and fall in the surface level of the oceans,
caused by gravitational attraction of the moon and sun.
HSM
- Wave Height
Sea Surface Temperature (SST) - The temperature of the sea surface representing the
condition of the surface mixed layer underlying the ocean
skin.
Slight
Moderate Rough
Fair
Visibility -
Wind:
Indicating wave height between 0.5 – 1.25 metres
Indicating wave height between 1.25 – 2.50 metres
Indicating wave height between 2.50 – 4.0 metres
used in describing weather condition: no precipitation or fog is expected
Good is between 10 – 20km
Moderate is between 4000m – 10km
Poor is between 1000 – 4000m
Very poor is below 1000m
Light air is
1-3knots
Light breeze is
4-6knots
Gentle breeze is
7-10knots
Moderate breeze is
11-16knots
Fresh breeze is
17-21knots
Strong breeze is
22-27knots
2
INTRODUCTION
The Nigerian coastal zone lies within Lat 4° 10’ to 6° 2’ N and Longitudes 2° 45’ to 8° 35’ E
spanning about 850km of low-lying coastline. The coast is bordered by a narrow continental
shelf of the Gulf of Guinea, shelf widths range from 15km in the west to about 67km in the
Niger Delta and about 87km off the Cross River estuary in the East. The Nigerian coastal zone
comprises of Lagos, Ondo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states and parts of
Edo state with about 25% of the estimated population of the country. There are high economic
activities with Ports, harbor and major industries in the coastal area.
Nigerian Meteorological Agency is vested with the responsibility of monitoring weather and
climate as its statutory functions. The Agency is working out modalities of having collaboration
with other likeminded Organizations and Institutions, which will eventually enhance better
development in Marine Meteorology and Oceanography.
The task of analyzing the observed weather pattern and changes with a view of informing the
general public, marine users including ships and coastal dwellers is therefore given priority
attention by the Agency. At present the Division is made up of five functioning operational
coastal stations, which are: East mole, Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research
(NIOMR) in Lagos, Eket in Akwa Ibom State, Koko in Delta state and Calabar marine station. Six
other stations are being established while a buoy with marine sensors will soon be installed at
the Lagos area of the Atlantic Ocean.
3
The Division issues daily marine weather forecasts for shipping and fishing industries, oil
companies and other coastal users.
MISSION
The mission of Marine Meteorological Division is to make available to marine users at sea or on
the coast, marine meteorological and related geophysical information which they require to the
extent technically possible and to generate revenue for the Agency.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Observation, collation and analyses of all Marine Meteorological parameters.

Dissemination of marine information to marine users.

Issuing of daily Marine weather forecasts (Inshore & Shipping)

Production of quarterly Marine Meteorological bulletin.

Provision of special Marine services on request.

Carrying out research in Marine Meteorology and Oceanography.

Provision of consultancy services in the area of Marine Meteorology and
Oceanography.

Capacity building through training of students on attachment.

Teaching of Marine Meteorology in WMO Regional Meteorological Training
Institute, Oshodi.
4

Developing and maintaining necessary contacts with other institutions and
Establishments in and outside Nigeria in marine related activities through
appropriate Authority in the Agency.

Participation in conferences on Oceanography and Marine Meteorological
matters.

Generation of revenue from Marine services and products.
POTENTIAL USERS

Shipping industry.

Oil industry

Fishing Industry

Insurance companies

Researchers from higher Institutions, Government Institutions and interested
bodies/individuals.

Media and press.

Engineering and construction companies in Coastal areas.

Coastal Dwellers, Tourist etc.

The General public.

Government Corporations.
5
QUARTERLY COASTAL WEATHER REVIEW
January
The ITD which has been at the southernmost position oscillated between lat 7.6°N – 9.1°N with
an average latitudinal position lying at 8.4°N. The winds were south westerly with mean
maximum speed of about 25knots while the sea was slightly warm and moderate in state.
The mean coastal maximum temperature in South - South area was 32.7°C. The average Sea
Surface Temperatures were 28.8°C in Lagos while Eket and Koko had 28.2°C and 30.0°C
respectively. The coastal Mean Sea Level Pressure (MSLP) had an average value of 1013hPa.
The St. Helena high pressure centre was between 1020hPa and 1032hPa with an average value
of 1026hPa.
As expected, rainfall amount in the coastal area for the month was low with Port Harcourt
having 59.5mm, Victoria Island 1.1mm, Eket in the South-South 63.7mm, Calabar 32.6mm Benin
47.7mm and Enugu 39.0mm. The coastal area experienced a widespread dust haze reducing
the visibility to below 5000m in parts of the area. Areas like Calabar, Owerri, Lagos and Benin
witnessed reduction in visibility due to early morning fog. Apart from the early morning foggy
condition, coastal activities went on smoothly as there was no record of disruption due to
weather.
February
The ITD continued its northward movement from the average position of 8.4°N in January,
fluctuating between latitude 8.5°N – 10.8°N with an average position of Lat 9.7°N. This induced
more moisture into the coastal areas especially the South- South.
The coastal area experienced stormy weather with squall reaching 45kts in some areas
especially in Lagos and Calabar. The sea was relatively cold while the sea state witnessed slight
to moderate condition.
The coastal Mean Sea Level Pressure (MSLP) was between 1010hPa and 1013hPa with an
average value of 1011hPa while the St. Helena’s high pressure centre was between 1020hPa
and 1028hPa with an average value of 1024hPa. The mean coastal maximum temperature at
South - South area was 29.4°C. The sea remained slightly warm with average sea surface
temperature of 29.0°C for Lagos and Calabar while Eket and Koko had 28.5°C and 29.5°C
respectively.
The amount of Rainfall recorded for the month were quite high except for Victoria Island and
6
Benin with 61.2mm and 54.1mm respectively, Calabar had 376.7mm, Port Harcourt had
162.0mm and Eket had 291.8mm. The winds were south westerly with moderate speed.
Coastal engineering works and some activities over the coast and territorial waters were
disrupted due to flooding. Some Inland areas close to the Coast such as Ibadan were hard hit
with devastating floods with terrible consequences due to very heavy rainfall. Untold lives and
property were destroyed.
March
The ITD continued in its Northward movement fluctuating between Latitudinal positions of
9.3°N - 10.5°N with an average position of 9.9°N. This placed the coastal area especially the
South – South under rainfall and thunderstorm zone.
On the 10m level wind chart (surface), the flow was still in the southwesterly direction with
occasional north easterlies, and an average value of 13kts.
On the 1500m (850hPa) level, the flow was southwesterly, with an average speed of 10knots.
The mean coastal maximum temperature at Lagos and South - South areas were 32.5°C and
29.6°C respectively. The average Sea Surface Temperature (SST) was 29.8°C at Lagos while
Eket, Calabar and Koko SST were 28.9°C, 29.9°C and 29.8°C respectively. The surface pressure
was averagely 1010hPa, while the centre of the St. Helena high pressure cell lay between
1020hPa and 1028hPa. The coastal area experienced lower rainfall amount compared to the
previous month. Eket recorded a total rainfall value of 74.6mm, Port Harcourt had 225.3mm,
Warri had 47.1mm, Benin had 74.8mm while Calabar recorded 36.0mm. The sea state was
slight to moderate while the sea surface temperature had slight increase compared to the
previous month. There were no records of activities disrupted due to adverse weather. Port
and Harbour operations and other coastal activities went on smoothly.
7
METEOROLOGICAL DATA OUTLOOK FOR LAGOS AND EKET AREA
LAGOS AREA
MEAN
ITD
position
(°N)
January 8.01
February 9.65
March
9.84
Wind Direction
South westerly
South westerly
South westerly
Mean
Wind
Speed
(Kts)
Mean
Min.
Temp.
(°C)
Mean
Max.
Temp.
(°C)
Rainfall Surf.Pres. Sea
Amount st.
Surf.
(mm)
Helena
Temp.
hPa
(°C)
10kts
15kts
12kts
Xxx
Xxx
27.0
Xxx
Xxx
32.5
1.1
61.2
28.7
1026
1024
1022
28.8
29.0
29.8
EKET IN SOUTH - SOUTH AREA
MEAN
ITD
position
(°N)
January 8.01
February 9.65
March
9.84
Wind Direction
South westerly
South westerly
South westerly
Mean
Wind
Speed
(Kts)
Mean
Min.
Temp.
(°C)
Mean
Max.
Temp.
(°C)
Rainfall Surf.Pres. Sea
Amount st.
Surf.
(mm)
Helena
Temp.
hPa
(°C)
10kts
25kts
16kts
25.6
24.3
26.4
31.7
29.4
29.6
63.7
291.8
74.6
8
1026
1024
1022
28.2
28.5
28.9
DAY – TIME SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST) OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AT
VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS FOR Jan. - Mar., 2012.
(DAILY AVERAGES IN °C)
DAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
MEAN
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
29.2
29.1
29.1
28.9
28.3
28.1
28.4
28.9
S
T
R
I
K
E
‘’
‘’
27.6
28.6
28.6
28.6
27.5
28.8
29.0
28.4
28.8
29.5
29.0
28.9
29.0
29.7
29.5
28.8
29.3
29.2
29.8
29.3
29.2
28.7
28.7
28.9
29.0
29.2
29.0
29.3
27.7
28.5
28.5
28.6
28.8
28.8
29.0
29.2
28.8
28.7
29.3
29.0
28.9
29.9
29.3
29.6
29.1
29.0
29.3
29.4
29.6
29.4
29.3
29.1
30.1
30.1
29.7
29.4
30.0
29.8
29.7
30.4
30.0
30.5
30.4
29.5
30.0
30.1
30.0
30.5
30.1
30.3
28.3
29.0
29.5
30.1
29.9
29.2
30.0
29.8
9
DAY – TIME LAGOON TEMPERATURE (LT) AT VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS FOR
Jan. - Mar., 2012.
(DAILY AVERAGES IN °C)
DAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
MEAN
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
29.1
28.8
28.9
28.8
28.2
28.0
28.2
28.7
S
T
R
I
K
E
‘’
‘’
27.5
28.3
28.3
28.4
27.5
28.6
28.7
28.3
28.6
29.2
28.9
28.7
28.8
29.3
29.3
28.6
29.1
29.0
29.7
29.0
29.1
28.5
28.5
28.8
28.8
28.9
28.7
29.0
27.7
28.3
28.4
28.5
28.8
28.7
28.9
29.1
28.7
28.7
28.9
28.9
28.8
29.8
29.2
29.5
29.0
28.9
29.1
29.1
29.4
29.2
29.1
29.1
29.9
29.8
29.7
29.2
29.7
29.7
29.5
30.1
29.9
30.3
30.2
29.4
29.9
29.8
29.9
30.2
29.8
30.3
28.1
28.8
29.4
29.9
29.7
29.1
29.8
29.6
10
DAY – TIME SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST) OVER EKET,
AKWA IBOM STATE FOR Jan. - Mar., 2012.
(DAILY AVERAGES IN °C)
DAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Jan.
27.1
27.9
28.1
27.7
28.0
28.6
28.1
28.1
28.0
28.7
28.0
29.4
28.2
27.8
27.6
27.6
27.8
27.9
28.5
27.7
28.3
28.5
28.8
28.7
29.0
28.9
28.5
28.8
28.7
27.6
27.9
Feb.
28.6
28.6
28.7
28.4
29.4
29.3
29.3
28.0
28.5
28.7
29.2
28.9
28.9
29.0
28.5
28.1
29.2
25.8
27.9
28.3
28.5
26.1
28.5
29.1
28.0
28.6
29.1
28.4
28.7
-
Mar.
28.1
28.3
28.7
29.9
26.8
27.8
28.5
28.5
28.1
28.3
28.7
28.7
28.7
29.2
28.9
29.6
28.7
30.3
29.3
29.7
28.8
29.5
29.6
29.7
28.8
29.9
29.0
28.9
28.9
29.3
27.3
MEAN
28.2
28.5
28.9
11
DAY – TIME SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST) OVER
KOKO, DELTA STATE FOR Jan. - Mar., 2012.
(DAILY AVERAGES IN °C)
DAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
MEAN
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
30.1
29.9
29.7
30.4
29.4
30.3
29.7
30.4
30.4
30.2
29.8
30.0
30.1
30.0
29.1
30.4
29.4
30.4
30.1
30.3
30.1
30.3
30.5
29.5
30.8
30.4
29.5
30.4
29.5
30.5
29.5
30.0
29.1
29.6
30.3
30.4
29.7
29.9
29.1
30.0
30.1
29.2
28.5
29.3
29.7
29.9
30.3
30.1
29.8
29.3
28.7
29.5
29.3
29.4
29.5
29.3
29.3
29.5
28.8
29.0
29.2
29.5
30.0
29.2
29.3
29.6
29.2
29.6
30.3
29.5
29.9
29.7
29.6
30.1
30.3
29.7
29.9
30.1
30.4
30.1
29.5
30.3
29.9
29.8
29.4
30.3
29.3
30.0
29.9
29.9
29.5
29.9
28.9
29.8
12
DAY – TIME SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST) OVER Calabar,
CROSS RIVER STATE FOR Jan. - Mar., 2012.
(DAILY AVERAGES IN °C)
DAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
MEAN
Jan.
28.4
28.7
28.7
28.4
28.7
28.5
29.0
28.9
28.9
28.9
28.6
28.2
28.5
27.8
28.0
27.6
27.0
27.2
27.4
27.9
27.9
28.4
28.5
28.7
28.8
28.6
28.7
28.3
28.4
28.8
28.5
28.4
Feb.
28.8
29.2
29.1
29.3
29.3
30.0
29.4
29.6
29.5
29.5
29.0
29.3
29.0
29.1
29.2
29.1
29.0
28.9
29.0
28.0
29.2
28.3
28.5
28.5
28.6
28.5
28.5
28.4
28.4
29.0
13
Mar.
28.4
28.5
28.8
29.0
28.9
29.1
29.3
29.5
29.6
29.5
29.3
29.5
29.6
29.4
29.8
29.9
30.0
29.5
30.5
31.0
30.8
31.3
31.1
30.9
30.0
30.8
30.7
30.9
30.0
30.5
30.5
29.9
SAMPLE OF DAILY MARINE FORECAST
Inshore Waters Forecast to 20km Offshore
Issued by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET)
at 1500 UTC on Sat. 31st March, 2012.
Period of Forecast: 1800 UTC Sat. 31st to 1800 UTC Sun. 1st April, 2012.
General Situation: The coastal area of the country is under the influence of a low pressure
system with values ranging from 1007 -1010hPa. The system is expected to temporarily fill up
to 1012hPa around 0900 UTC, thereafter deepen to its initial values at around 1500 UTC and
remain quasi stationary to the end of forecast period. Convective activities are expected in the
South East with Light to fresh breeze.
Calabar, Eket and Port Harcourt Areas
24 Hr forecast
Wind:
South-westerly, 5 -12kts occasionally 20kts.
Sea state: Moderate.
Weather: Thunderstorm at the early and later parts of the forecast period.
Visibility: Moderate, poor in thunderstorm.
Outlook for the following 24hrs:
Wind:
South-westerly, 5-10kts occasionally 15kts.
Sea State: Slight to moderate.
Weather: Rain, chances of thunderstorm.
Visibility: Moderate.
Warri, Koko and Aiyetoro Areas
24 hr forecast
Wind:
South-westerly, 5 -10kts occasionally 18kts.
Sea State: Moderate.
Weather: Fair, rain, chances of thunderstorm later.
Visibility: Moderate.
Outlook for the following 24hrs
Wind:
South-westerly, 5 -12kts.
Sea State: Moderate.
Weather: Fair, rain later
Visibility: Moderate.
14
Lagos Area: 24hr forecast:
Wind:
South-westerly, 5 -10kts occasionally 18kts.
Sea State: Moderate.
Weather: Fair, rain, chances of thunderstorm later
Visibility: Moderate.
Outlook for the following 24hrs.
Wind:
South westerly, 5-10kts.
Sea State: Moderate.
Weather: Fair, isolated rain later
Visibility: Moderate.
End.
15
SHIPPING FORECAST TO 650KM OFFSHORE
ISSUED BY NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NIMET),
at 1500 UTC on Sat. 31st March, 2012
VALID FOR: 1800 UTC Sat. 31st to 1800 UTC Sun. 1st April, 2012.
WARNINGS:
THE GENERAL SYNOPSIS: Nigerian territorial waters is under the influence of a low pressure system with
values ranging from 1009 – 1011hPa. The system is expected to temporarily fill up to 1013hPa around 0900 UTC.
Thereafter it will deepen to its initial values at around 1500 UTC and remain quasi stationary to the end of forecast
period. Light to fresh breeze is expected.
THE AREA FORECASTS FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS:
WIND:
SOUTH-WESTERLY 5 –12KTS OCCASIONALLY 20kts.
SEA STATE:
MODERATE.
WEATHER:
RAIN WITH CHANCES OF THUNDERSTORM.
VISIBILITY:
MODERATE.
END.
NOTE:
Slight:
Moderate:
Rough:
Fair:
Visibility:
Wind:
in sea state is between 0.5 – 1.25 metres
in sea state is between 1.25 – 2.50 metres
in sea state is between 2.50 – 4.00 metres
in weather may be used if no precipitation or fog is expected
Good is between 10 – 20km
Moderate is between 4000m – 10km
Poor is between 1000 – 4000m
Very poor is below 1000
Light air is
1-3knots
Light breeze is
4-6knots
Gentle breeze is
7-10knots
Moderate breeze is 11-16knots
Fresh breeze is
17-21knots
Strong breeze is
22-27knots
16
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR THE NEXT QUARTER (April – June, 2012)
The ITD is expected to continue in its Northward movement in the next quarter and bring about
peak of raining period. The coastal area will be under the influence of moderate to fresh
southwesterly winds. Some areas especially in the South-South are expected to experience
high rainfall with squally thunderstorms which could result in flooding. The sea surface
temperature is expected to reach its maximum peak in the early part of the quarter and
thereafter start decreasing. The entire coastal area is expected to be wet during the period.
Disruptions of some coastal activities such as Engineering project, trading, etc. are envisaged in
this regard.
`
17