Published by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nimet)

MARINE METEOROLOGICAL

QUARTERLY BULLETIN

VOL X NO I. JAN– MAR.2012

PUBLISHED BY THE NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NIMET)

E-mail:

May, 2012

CONTENTS

Pages

Contents1

General Terms2 Introduction 3

Quarterly Coastal Weather Review6

Meteorological Data Outlook for Lagos and Eket Area8

Day – time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) over the Atlantic

Ocean at Victoria Island, Lagos for Jan. - Mar. 20129

Day – time Lagoon Temperature (LT) over Victoria Island,

Lagos for Jan. - Mar. 201210

Day- time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) over Eket in

AkwaIbom, State for Jan. - Mar. 201211

Day- time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) over Koko in

Delta State, for Jan. - Mar. 201212

Day- time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) over Calabar in

Cross River, State for Jan. - Mar. 201213

Sample of Daily Marine Weather Forecast14

Weather Outlook for the next Quarter17

PUBLISHED BY THE NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY

Tel: 234-8037879565; 234-8O23213456,

E-mail:

GENERAL TERMS

Inter-tropical discontinuity (ITD) - Transitional zone between dry north easterly wind and

moisture laden southwesterly 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 windblowing over a stretch of water.

Tide -The regular rise and fall in the surface level of the oceans,

caused bygravitational attraction of the moon and sun.

HSM - Wave Height

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) - The temperature of the sea surface representing the

conditionof the surface mixedlayer underlying the ocean skin.

Slight - Indicating wave height between 0.5 – 1.25 metres

Moderate - Indicating wave height between 1.25 – 2.50 metres

Rough - Indicating wave height between 2.50– 4.0 metres

Fair - 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 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

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, AkwaIbom 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 AkwaIbom 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.

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.

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.

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 seawas slightly warm and moderate in state.

The mean coastal maximum temperature in South - South areawas32.7°C. The average Sea Surface Temperatures were28.8°C in Lagos while Eket and Koko had28.2°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 waslow with Port Harcourt having 59.5mm, Victoria Island 1.1mm, Eket in the South-South 63.7mm, Calabar32.6mm 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

and1028hPa 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 Calabarwhile 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

Benin with 61.2mm and54.1mm 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 were32.5°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 experiencedlower 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 whileCalabar 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.

METEOROLOGICAL DATA OUTLOOK FOR LAGOS AND EKET AREA

LAGOS AREA

MEAN
ITD position
(°N) / Wind Direction / Mean
Wind Speed (Kts) / Mean Min.
Temp. (°C) / Mean Max. Temp.
(°C) / Rainfall Amount (mm) / Surf.Pres. st. Helena hPa / Sea Surf. Temp. (°C)
January / 8.01 / South westerly / 10kts / Xxx / Xxx / 1.1 / 1026 / 28.8
February / 9.65 / South westerly / 15kts / Xxx / Xxx / 61.2 / 1024 / 29.0
March / 9.84 / South westerly / 12kts / 27.0 / 32.5 / 28.7 / 1022 / 29.8

EKET IN SOUTH - SOUTH AREA

MEAN
ITD position
(°N) / Wind Direction / Mean
Wind Speed (Kts) / Mean Min.
Temp. (°C) / Mean Max. Temp.
(°C) / Rainfall Amount (mm) / Surf.Pres. st. Helena hPa / Sea Surf. Temp. (°C)
January / 8.01 / South westerly / 10kts / 25.6 / 31.7 / 63.7 / 1026 / 28.2
February / 9.65 / South westerly / 25kts / 24.3 / 29.4 / 291.8 / 1024 / 28.5
March / 9.84 / South westerly / 16kts / 26.4 / 29.6 / 74.6 / 1022 / 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 / Jan. / Feb. / Mar.
1 / 29.2 / 29.3 / 29.3
2 / 29.1 / 29.2 / 29.4
3 / 29.1 / 29.8 / 29.6
4 / 28.9 / 29.3 / 29.4
5 / 28.3 / 29.2 / 29.3
6 / 28.1 / 28.7 / 29.1
7 / 28.4 / 28.7 / 30.1
8 / 28.9 / 28.9 / 30.1
9 / S / 29.0 / 29.7
10 / T / 29.2 / 29.4
11 / R / 29.0 / 30.0
12 / I / 29.3 / 29.8
13 / K / 27.7 / 29.7
14 / E / 28.5 / 30.4
15 / ‘’ / 28.5 / 30.0
16 / ‘’ / 28.6 / 30.5
17 / 27.6 / 28.8 / 30.4
18 / 28.6 / 28.8 / 29.5
19 / 28.6 / 29.0 / 30.0
20 / 28.6 / 29.2 / 30.1
21 / 27.5 / 28.8 / 30.0
22 / 28.8 / 28.7 / 30.5
23 / 29.0 / 29.3 / 30.1
24 / 28.4 / 29.0 / 30.3
25 / 28.8 / 28.9 / 28.3
26 / 29.5 / 29.9 / 29.0
27 / 29.0 / 29.3 / 29.5
28 / 28.9 / 29.6 / 30.1
29 / 29.0 / 29.1 / 29.9
30 / 29.7 / - / 29.2
31 / 29.5 / - / 30.0
MEAN / 28.8 / 29.0 / 29.8

DAY – TIME LAGOON TEMPERATURE (LT) AT VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS FOR

Jan. - Mar., 2012.

(DAILY AVERAGES IN °C)

DAY / Jan. / Feb. / Mar.
1 / 29.1 / 29.1 / 29.1
2 / 28.8 / 29.0 / 29.1
3 / 28.9 / 29.7 / 29.4
4 / 28.8 / 29.0 / 29.2
5 / 28.2 / 29.1 / 29.1
6 / 28.0 / 28.5 / 29.1
7 / 28.2 / 28.5 / 29.9
8 / 28.7 / 28.8 / 29.8
9 / S / 28.8 / 29.7
10 / T / 28.9 / 29.2
11 / R / 28.7 / 29.7
12 / I / 29.0 / 29.7
13 / K / 27.7 / 29.5
14 / E / 28.3 / 30.1
15 / ‘’ / 28.4 / 29.9
16 / ‘’ / 28.5 / 30.3
17 / 27.5 / 28.8 / 30.2
18 / 28.3 / 28.7 / 29.4
19 / 28.3 / 28.9 / 29.9
20 / 28.4 / 29.1 / 29.8
21 / 27.5 / 28.7 / 29.9
22 / 28.6 / 28.7 / 30.2
23 / 28.7 / 28.9 / 29.8
24 / 28.3 / 28.9 / 30.3
25 / 28.6 / 28.8 / 28.1
26 / 29.2 / 29.8 / 28.8
27 / 28.9 / 29.2 / 29.4
28 / 28.7 / 29.5 / 29.9
29 / 28.8 / 29.0 / 29.7
30 / 29.3 / - / 29.1
31 / 29.3 / - / 29.8
MEAN / 28.6 / 28.9 / 29.6

DAY – TIME SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST) OVER EKET,

AKWA IBOM STATE FOR Jan. - Mar., 2012.

(DAILY AVERAGES IN °C)

DAY / Jan. / Feb. / Mar.
1 / 27.1 / 28.6 / 28.1
2 / 27.9 / 28.6 / 28.3
3 / 28.1 / 28.7 / 28.7
4 / 27.7 / 28.4 / 29.9
5 / 28.0 / 29.4 / 26.8
6 / 28.6 / 29.3 / 27.8
7 / 28.1 / 29.3 / 28.5
8 / 28.1 / 28.0 / 28.5
9 / 28.0 / 28.5 / 28.1
10 / 28.7 / 28.7 / 28.3
11 / 28.0 / 29.2 / 28.7
12 / 29.4 / 28.9 / 28.7
13 / 28.2 / 28.9 / 28.7
14 / 27.8 / 29.0 / 29.2
15 / 27.6 / 28.5 / 28.9
16 / 27.6 / 28.1 / 29.6
17 / 27.8 / 29.2 / 28.7
18 / 27.9 / 25.8 / 30.3
19 / 28.5 / 27.9 / 29.3
20 / 27.7 / 28.3 / 29.7
21 / 28.3 / 28.5 / 28.8
22 / 28.5 / 26.1 / 29.5
23 / 28.8 / 28.5 / 29.6
24 / 28.7 / 29.1 / 29.7
25 / 29.0 / 28.0 / 28.8
26 / 28.9 / 28.6 / 29.9
27 / 28.5 / 29.1 / 29.0
28 / 28.8 / 28.4 / 28.9
29 / 28.7 / 28.7 / 28.9
30 / 27.6 / - / 29.3
31 / 27.9 / - / 27.3
MEAN / 28.2 / 28.5 / 28.9

DAY – TIME SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST) OVER

KOKO, DELTA STATE FOR Jan. - Mar., 2012.

(DAILY AVERAGES IN °C)

DAY / Jan. / Feb. / Mar.
1 / 30.1 / 29.1 / 30.0
2 / 29.9 / 29.6 / 29.2
3 / 29.7 / 30.3 / 29.3
4 / 30.4 / 30.4 / 29.6
5 / 29.4 / 29.7 / 29.2
6 / 30.3 / 29.9 / 29.6
7 / 29.7 / 29.1 / 30.3
8 / 30.4 / 30.0 / 29.5
9 / 30.4 / 30.1 / 29.9
10 / 30.2 / 29.2 / 29.7
11 / 29.8 / 28.5 / 29.6
12 / 30.0 / 29.3 / 30.1
13 / 30.1 / 29.7 / 30.3
14 / 30.0 / 29.9 / 29.7
15 / 29.1 / 30.3 / 29.9
16 / 30.4 / 30.1 / 30.1
17 / 29.4 / 29.8 / 30.4
18 / 30.4 / 29.3 / 30.1
19 / 30.1 / 28.7 / 29.5
20 / 30.3 / 29.5 / 30.3
21 / 30.1 / 29.3 / 29.9
22 / 30.3 / 29.4 / 29.8
23 / 30.5 / 29.5 / 29.4
24 / 29.5 / 29.3 / 30.3
25 / 30.8 / 29.3 / 29.3
26 / 30.4 / 29.5 / 30.0
27 / 29.5 / 28.8 / 29.9
28 / 30.4 / 29.0 / 29.9
29 / 29.5 / 29.2 / 29.5
30 / 30.5 / - / 29.9
31 / 29.5 / - / 28.9
MEAN / 30.0 / 29.5 / 29.8

DAY – TIME SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE (SST) OVER Calabar,

CROSS RIVER STATE FOR Jan. - Mar., 2012.

(DAILY AVERAGES IN °C)

DAY / Jan. / Feb. / Mar.
1 / 28.4 / 28.8 / 28.4
2 / 28.7 / 29.2 / 28.5
3 / 28.7 / 29.1 / 28.8
4 / 28.4 / 29.3 / 29.0
5 / 28.7 / 29.3 / 28.9
6 / 28.5 / 30.0 / 29.1
7 / 29.0 / 29.4 / 29.3
8 / 28.9 / 29.6 / 29.5
9 / 28.9 / 29.5 / 29.6
10 / 28.9 / 29.5 / 29.5
11 / 28.6 / 29.0 / 29.3
12 / 28.2 / 29.3 / 29.5
13 / 28.5 / 29.0 / 29.6
14 / 27.8 / 29.1 / 29.4
15 / 28.0 / 29.2 / 29.8
16 / 27.6 / 29.1 / 29.9
17 / 27.0 / 29.0 / 30.0
18 / 27.2 / 28.9 / 29.5
19 / 27.4 / 29.0 / 30.5
20 / 27.9 / 28.0 / 31.0
21 / 27.9 / 29.2 / 30.8
22 / 28.4 / 28.3 / 31.3
23 / 28.5 / 28.5 / 31.1
24 / 28.7 / 28.5 / 30.9
25 / 28.8 / 28.6 / 30.0
26 / 28.6 / 28.5 / 30.8
27 / 28.7 / 28.5 / 30.7
28 / 28.3 / 28.4 / 30.9
29 / 28.4 / 28.4 / 30.0
30 / 28.8 / - / 30.5
31 / 28.5 / - / 30.5
MEAN / 28.4 / 29.0 / 29.9

SAMPLE OF DAILY MARINE FORECAST

Inshore Waters Forecast to 20km Offshore

Issued by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET)

at 1500 UTC on Sat.31stMarch, 2012.

Period of Forecast: 1800 UTC Sat. 31stto 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 UTCand 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.

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.

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: in sea state is between 0.5 – 1.25 metres

Moderate: in sea state is between 1.25 – 2.50 metres

Rough: in sea state is between 2.50 – 4.00 metres

Fair: in weather may be used if 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 1000

Wind: 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

WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR THE NEXT QUARTER (April – June, 2012)

The ITD is expected to continue in itsNorthward 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 temperatureis expected toreach 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.