NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NIMET),
NATIONAL WEATHER FORECASTING AND CLIMATE RESEARCH CENTRE,
NNAMDI AZIKWE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, P.M.B. 615, GARKI, ABUJA, NIGERIA
MARINE METEOROLOGICAL
QUARTERLY BULLETIN
VOL XI NO I.
January - March, 2014
PUBLISHED BY THE NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NIMET)
P. M. B 1215, Oshodi, Lagos.
E-mail: marinemetdivision@yahoo.com
April, 2014
1
CONTENTS
Pages
Contents …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2
General Terms ……………………………………………………………………………………………………3
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
Quarterly Coastal Weather Review …………………………………………………………………...7
Meteorological Data for Lagos and Eket Areas ………………………………………………….10
Day – time Lagoon Temperature (LT) over Victoria Island, Lagos
for Jan - Mar. 2014 ……………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Day- time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) over Eket in Akwa Ibom, State
for Jan - Mar. 2014 ………………………………………………….………………………………………….12
Day- time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) over Koko, Delta State
for Jan - Mar. 2014 ……………………………………………………………………………………………..13
Day- time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) over Calabar in Cross River, State
for Jan - Mar. 2014 ……………………………………………………………………………………………..14
Sample of Daily Marine Weather Forecast ………………………………………………………..15
Weather Outlook for the next Quarter………………………………………………………….……19
PUBLISHED BY THE NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY
P. M. B 1215, Oshodi, Lagos.
E-mail: marinemetdivision@yahoo.com
2
GENERAL TERMS
Inter-tropical discontinuity (ITD) - Transitional zone between dry north easterly winds 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.
FORECAST
Slight
- used for describing sea state: indicating wave height between 0.5 – 1.25 metres
Moderate - used for describing sea state: indicating wave height between 1.25 – 2.50
metres
Rough
Fair
- used for describing sea state: indicating wave height between 2.50 – 4.0 metres
- used in describing weather condition: no precipitation or fog is expected
Visibility: - Good is between
10 – 20km
Moderate is between 4000m – 10km
Poor is between
1000 – 4000m
Very poor is below
1000m
Wind:
Light air
Light breeze Gentle breeze Moderate breezeFresh breeze
Strong breeze-
1-3knots
4-6knots
7-10knots
11-16knots
17-21knots
22-27knots
3
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 open to collaboration with other likeminded Organizations and
Institutions, for enhancement of 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 has been installed at the Lagos area of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Division issues daily marine weather forecasts for shipping and fishing industries, oil companies
and other coastal users.
4
MISSION
The mission of the 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.

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.
5
POTENTIAL USERS

Shipping industry.

Oil industry

Fishing Industry

Insurance companies

Researchers
from
higher
Institutions,
Government
bodies/individuals.

Media and press.

Engineering and construction companies in Coastal areas.

Coastal Dwellers, Tourist etc.

The General public.

Government Corporations.
6
Institutions
and
interested
QUARTERLY COASTAL WEATHER REVIEW
January
The ITD position fluctuated between latitudes 6.4°N and 9.5°N. The average latitudinal position was
7.9 °N while the highest and lowest positions were 11.8°N and 6.3°N respectively.
The winds were
southwesterly, occasionally backing southeasterly with speed ranging from 5 - 12kts, occasionally 18kts.
The mean coastal maximum temperature in Eket and Calabar areas were 30.4°C and 32.6°C
respectively. Average Sea Surface Temperature for Koko was 28.9°C while Eket and Calabar recorded
28.0°C and 29.4°C respectively. Coastal Mean Sea Level Pressure (MSLP) values fluctuated between
1010 - 1014hPa, filling up to 1015 – 1017hPa occasionally while the center value of St. Helena high
pressure was between 1016hPa and 1024hPa with an average value of 1020hPa throughout the month.
Parts of the coastal area experienced early morning mist/fog as well as the hazy conditions during the
month with occasional thunderstorm. The sea state was slight to moderate while the sea surface
temperature (SST) was slightly warmer than the previous month. Rainfall amount recorded in Lagos
and Calabar areas were 9.3mm and 6.5mm respectively while Eket had the highest value of 101.4mm.
There were no records of disruption of activities due to adverse weather at the ports and coastal area.
7
February
The ITD positions remain quasi stationary relative to what was observed in the previous month. It
fluctuated between latitudes 6.5°N and 10.5°N with an approximate average value of Lat 8.0°N. The
coastal winds were mainly south westerly with an average speed of 5-10kts occasionally 17kts.
The coastal mean sea level pressure (MSLP) fluctuated between 1010hPa and 1015hPa with an average
value of 1013hPa while the St. Helena high pressure centre had values ranging from 1020hPa to
1024hPa occasionally 1028hPa.
Lagos area was warmer than the South - South (Eket) as indicated by maximum temperature values of
32.0°C and 30.3°C respectively.
The sea observed higher temperatures compared to the previous month with the average Sea Surface
Temperature over Calabar, Eket and Koko been 30.1°C, 28.6°C and 28.8°C respectively. The winds
were south westerlies with moderate, occasionally fresh breeze.
The amount of rainfall recorded for this month was higher than that of January in most parts of the
coastal area. Lagos had 79.0mm while Calabar and Eket recorded 35.3mm and 132.3mm respectively.
The sea state remained slight to moderate. There was evidence of dust haze reducing visibility during
the month. There were no records of disruption of activities in the coast like engineering works,
transportation, commercial and other activities over the coast.
8
March
The ITD continues its northward movement fluctuating between Lat. 9.0°N, and 11.3°N with an
approximate average position of 10.2°N. The wind flow was Southwesterly, with speed ranging 5-15
and an average of 10knots.
The mean coastal maximum temperature at Lagos, Calabar, and Eket areas were 33.0°C, 31.8°C and
29.9°C respectively. The Sea Surface Temperature (SST) was relatively higher than it was in February
over Eket and Koko. Average SST at Eket, Koko and Calabar were 29.2°C, 29.2°C and 29.8°C
respectively. The mean surface pressure was between 1008 - 1012hPa, while the centre values of the St.
Helena high pressure system ranged from 1020hPa to 1024hPa.
The Coastal areas especially Lagos and Calabar observed higher rainfall relative to the previous months
in the quarter. Total rainfall value recorded by Calabar was 212.7mm and Lagos had 202.2mm while
Eket had 191.9mm. The winds were southwesterly occasionally backing southerly with speed ranging
from 5 – 15kts and occasional 20kts. Heavy rains and flooding effects interrupted Port and Harbour
operations such as cargo handling, loading of barges, coastal engineering constructions and local trading
as a result of adverse weather condition during the period as recorded by dailies.
The sea state was slight to moderate. The adverse weather sent caution to the Government and people of
the Coastal Area. People living in flood prone areas became apprehensive whenever the weather was
cloudy.
9
Meteorological Data for Lagos, Eket and Calabar Area
LAGOS AREA
MEAN
ITD
position
(°N)
January
February
March
Wind Direction
South westerly
South westerly
South westerly
Mean
Wind
Speed
(Kts)
Mean
Max.
Temp.
(°C)
Mean
Min.
Temp.
(°C)
Rainfall Surf.Pres. Lagoon
Amount st.
Temp.
(mm)
Helena
(°C)
hPa
5-15
5-18
5-15
32.0
32.0
33.0
26.0
27.0
27.0
9.3
79.0
202.2
1020
1020
1020
29.1
29.3
29.7
EKET IN SOUTH - SOUTH AREA
MEAN
ITD
position
(°N)
January
February
March
Wind Direction
South westerly
South westerly
South westerly
Mean
Wind
Speed
(Kts)
Mean
Max.
Temp.
(°C)
Mean
Min.
Temp.
(°C)
Rainfall Surf.Pres. Sea
Amount st.
Surf.
(mm)
Helena
Temp.
hPa
(°C)
05-22
10-18
15-25
30.4
30.3
29.9
23.2
23.3
22.9
101.4
132.3
191.9
1020
1020
1020
28.0
28.6
29.2
CALABAR IN SOUTH - SOUTH AREA
MEAN
ITD
position
(°N)
January
February
March
Wind Direction
South westerly
South westerly
South westerly
Mean
Wind
Speed
(Kts)
Mean
Max.
Temp.
(°C)
Mean
Min.
Temp.
(°C)
Rainfall Surf.Pres. Sea
Amount st.
Surf.
(mm)
Helena
Temp.
hPa
(°C)
5-18
10-15
05-15
32.6
32.8
31.8
24.1
24.5
23.7
6.5
35.3
212.7
10
1020
1020
1020
29.4
30.1
29.8
DAY – TIME LAGOON TEMPERATURE (LT) OVER VICTORIA ISLAND,
LAGOS STATE FOR Jan - Mar. 2014.
(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.
29.4
29.5
28.7
29.3
29.7
28.7
29.4
29.5
29.2
29.3
30.1
28.7
29.2
29.0
28.6
29.2
28.1
28.8
29.1
29.3
29.1
28.9
29.3
29.3
28.9
29.2
29.3
29.5
29.5
28.9
28.8
29.1
Feb.
29.0
27.9
28.5
28.9
29.4
29.5
29.4
29.5
28.7
28.5
30.0
28.6
29.2
29.9
29.7
29.2
29.8
29.6
29.8
29.7
29.9
29.7
29.7
29.5
28.6
28.5
29.1
28.9
XXX
XXX
XXX
29.3
11
Mar.
28.3
28.5
30.4
30.1
29.8
28.7
30.3
29.6
30.2
29.6
28.9
30.1
29.1
30.8
30.7
30.2
29.8
-B
-R
-O
-K
-I
-N
-T
-H
-E
-R
-M
-O
-M
-E
29.7
DAY – TIME SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST) OVER EKET,
AKWA IBOM STATE FOR Jan - Mar. 2014.
(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.
27.4
27.6
28.0
27.4
27.5
28.6
28.3
27.8
28.0
28.7
27.3
27.6
27.5
28.1
28.1
28.6
28.9
28.9
27.9
27.9
28.4
28.0
28.0
28.4
27.5
27.9
27.4
27.6
27.7
28.1
27.4
28.0
Feb.
27.3
26.2
27.8
27.9
28.3
28.9
27.8
28.0
28.2
28.6
28.5
28.7
28.1
28.7
27.7
28.3
29.2
28.3
28.7
28.8
31.0
30.1
29.9
30.0
29.1
29.9
28.0
27.9
XXX
XXX
XXX
28.6
12
Mar.
29.0
26.3
27.1
30.4
29.4
30.0
30.6
30.1
26.3
28.5
29.8
29.4
30.0
28.5
29.5
28.3
30.0
28.6
30.3
30.2
29.3
29.6
29.5
30.6
28.3
29.8
28.0
29.2
29.3
29.5
30.2
29.2
DAY – TIME SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST) OVER
KOKO, DELTA STATE FOR Jan – Mar. 2014.
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
(DAILY AVERAGES IN °C)
Jan.
Feb.
28.1
29.0
28.8
28.8
28.1
28.9
28.1
27.8
28.4
29.8
28.6
28.5
28.6
28.2
29.4
28.9
29.4
29.1
28.9
28.0
28.7
28.2
28.4
30.0
28.9
28.4
29.4
29.4
28.6
29.1
29.0
29.4
28.6
29.1
28.8
28.1
28.9
29.0
29.2
29.0
28.7
28.9
30.1
28.5
29.6
29.0
29.3
29.5
28.8
28.9
28.5
28.2
29.3
28.4
28.8
28.2
28.2
Xxx
28.8
Xxx
29.6
Xxx
28.9
28.8
13
Mar.
28.8
28.9
27.5
27.9
28.9
29.6
29.1
29.7
28.5
29.7
28.8
29.5
28.2
30.0
28.8
28.5
28.5
29.6
28.7
28.7
30.4
29.9
29.7
30.0
30.0
29.0
30.2
29.5
29.5
29.0
30.2
29.2
DAY – TIME SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST) OVER Calabar,
CROSS RIVER STATE FOR Jan - Mar. 2014.
(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.
29.3
29.2
29.2
29.0
29.2
28.7
28.7
28.8
29.2
28.9
29.2
29.3
29.0
29.3
29.3
29.2
29.3
29.4
29.4
29.6
29.6
29.6
29.6
29.9
29.5
29.9
30.2
30.2
30.1
30.2
29.4
29.4
Feb.
29.4
29.3
29.2
29.3
29.5
29.6
29.3
29.5
30.2
29.9
30.0
30.6
30.7
30.7
30.4
30.6
30.4
30.5
30.3
30.3
30.4
30.4
30.3
30.3
30.2
30.3
30.6
30.1
XXX
XXX
XXX
30.1
14
Mar.
30.2
29.7
29.7
29.3
29.2
29.4
29.5
29.6
29.3
29.3
29.1
29.9
30.0
30.2
30.0
29.7
29.5
29.6
29.5
29.6
29.9
29.9
29.7
29.9
29.6
29.8
29.4
32.2
29.9
30.1
30.3
29.8
SAMPLE OF DAILY MARINE FORECAST
NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NIMET),
NATIONAL WEATHER FORECASTING AND CLIMATE RESEARCH CENTRE,
NNAMDI AZIKWE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, P.M.B. 615, GARKI, ABUJA, NIGERIA
FORECAST FOR INSHORE WATERS OF NIGERIA up to 20km
offshore (60 13'N, 2054'E to 40 32'N, 80 23'E)
at 1500UTC Tue. 4th Feb. 2014.
Period of Forecast: 1800 UTC Tue. 4th to 1800 UTC Wed. 5th Feb. 2014.
WARNING: NIL
General Situation: The forecast area is expected to remain under the influence of low pressure values ranging 1008 1010hPa from 1800 UTC till about 0900 UTC when it is expected to temporarily fill up to 1012hPa. Thereafter, it is expected
to deepen to its initial values at about 1200 UTC and remain quasi stationary till the end of forecast period. Light to
moderate breeze are expected.
Calabar, Eket and Port Harcourt coastal waters
24 Hour forecast
Wind: South – westerly, 5 -10kts occasionally 16kts.
Sea state: Large wavelets; crests begin to break; foam of glassy appearance; chances of scattered white
horses (Slight).
Sig. Wave Ht: 0.9m
Swell Ht: 0.6m – 0.9m
Tide: Cal – high: 3.0m (2110 UTC), low: 0.8m (0335&1540UTC)
PHC–high: 2.4m (2135 UTC), low: 0.4m (1510 UTC)
Weather: Fair, chances of rain/ thunderstorm.
Visibility: Moderate (4000m -10km).
Outlook for the following 24hrs:
Wind: South – westerly, 5-10kts.
Sea State: Large wavelets; crests begin to break; foam of glassy appearance; chances of scattered white
horses (Slight).
Weather: Fair, rain later.
Visibility: Moderate (4000m- 10km).
Warri, Koko and Aiyetoro coastal waters
24 hr forecast
Wind: South – westerly, 5 -10kts occasionally 15kts.
Sea State: Large wavelets; crests begin to break; foam of glassy appearance; chances of scattered white
horses (Slight).
Sig. Wave Ht: 0.9m
Swell Ht:
0.6m – 0.9m
Tide: Warri – high: 1.9m (2335 UTC), low: 0.7m (0520&1725 UTC)
Weather: Hazy condition.
Visibility: Moderate (4000m- 10km).
15
Outlook for the following 24hrs
Wind: South-westerly, 5 -10kts.
Sea State: Large wavelets; crests begin to break; foam of glassy appearance; chances of scattered white
horses (Slight).
Weather: Early morning mist, hazy condition.
Visibility: Moderate (4000m - 10km)
Lagos Coastal Waters
24hr forecast:
Wind: South – westerly 5 -10kts occasionally 15kts.
Sea State: Large wavelets; crests begin to break; foam of glassy appearance; chances of scattered white
horses (Slight).
Sig. Wave Ht: 0.9m
Swell Ht:
0.6m – 0.9m
Tide: High: 1.0m (1945 UTC), low: 0.1m (0155&1355 UTC)
Weather: hazy condition.
Visibility: Moderate (4000m - 10km).
Outlook for the following 24hrs
Wind: South westerly, 5-10kts occasionally 15kts.
Sea State: Large wavelets; crests begin to break; foam of glassy appearance; chances of scattered white
horses (Slight).
Weather: Early morning mist, hazy condition.
Visibility: Moderate (4000m -10km).
End.
SHIPPING FORECAST TO 650KM OFFSHORE (6 0 13'N, 20 54'E - 40 32'N, 8023'E to equator)
ISSUED BY NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NIMET),
at 1500 UTC on Tue. 4th Feb. 2014.
VALID FOR: 1800 UTC Tue. 4th to 1800 UTC Wed. 5th Feb. 2014.
WARNING: NIL
GENERAL SYNOPSIS: The centre of St Helena's high pressure system is expected to remain 1020hPa. It is expected to
remain same throughout the forecast period. The forecast area will continue to be under the influence of low pressure system
with values 1009 – 1011hPa. It will remain quasi stationary till about 0900 UTC when it is expected to temporarily fill up to
1013hPa. Thereafter it is expected to deepen to its initial at about 1200UTC till the end of forecast period. Light to moderate
occasionally fresh breeze are expected.
THE AREA FORECASTS FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS
WIND: SOUTH – WESTERLY 05 - 10KTS OCCASIONALLY 16KTS.
SEA STATE: Large wavelets; crests begin to break; foam of glassy appearance; chances of scattered white
horses to small waves, longer; becoming fairly frequent white horses (Slight to moderate).
SIG. WAVES HT: 1.2m
SWELL HT:
0.6m – 1.2m
WEATHER: EARLY MORNING MIST, fair later
VISIBILITY: MODERATE (4000m-10km).
END.
16
17
T+18 sig. wave ht. (ft) 18Z 4th February, 2014
T+30 sig. wave ht. (ft) 06Z 5th February, 2014
T+24 sig. wave ht. (ft) 00Z 5th February, 2014
T+36 sig. wave ht. (ft) 12Z 5th February, 2014
18
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR THE NEXT QUARTER (Apr. – Jun., 2014)
The ITD which commenced its northward movement at the later part of the quarter (Jan- Mar., 2014)
will continue throughout the next quarter (Apr.-Jun., 2014). Moisture laden south westerlies will
dominate with gusty wind while the first peak of rainfall will be observed during the quarter. Maximum
Rainfall is expected especially over the South-South part. There will be chances of active waves which
may result in storm surges during the middle/later parts of the quarter. The sea surface temperature is
expected to reach its first maximum peak during the earlier part of the quarter (April). Frequent storms
resulting into flooding in the coastal area, are expected, which could disrupt coastal operations.
`
19