Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) said it had taken delivery of 10 lightening sensors free of charge from the U.S. based Earth Networks (EN) Inc., to improve its weather forecast capacity service delivery.
The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mansur Matazur, announced the receipt of the equipment at the Kick-off ceremony of equipment installation by NiMet and EN.
Matazur said that the sensors would increase the agency`s precision and timeliness of its services to users.
According to him, the new equipment will Improve NiMet`s high impact weather forecasting capacity through the utilisation of total lightening data and latest point forecasting techniques to provide related services to its customers and stakeholders.
“On Aug.18, 2021, the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NiMet and Earth Networks took place following a formal request for collaboration from Earth Networks Inc, to the agency.
“As part of the execution of the MoU, the agency has received ten AWOS, ten lightning detectors and required accessories at no commercial values to it.
“ Objective of collaboration is to support capacity of NiMet to further develop its service delivery through working together to deploy EN Stations in various locations that will contribute to Nigeria Total Lightning and Mesoscale AWS Network (NTLMAN).“
NiMet boss added that installation of the equipment was combined with capacity building for NiMet officers.
According to him, under the supervision and guidance of EN experts, Abuja, Benin and Lagos will be covered to equip NiMet officers to be able to carry out remaining installations.
“Through this collaboration, NiMet will be able to access EN data for its internal use and public display in degraded form and resell sensor data and derivative works to its customers.
“NiMet responsibility is to observe, collate, process and disseminate all meteorological data and information within and outside Nigeria.
“it is also to co-ordinate research activities among staff, and publish scientific papers in various branches of meteorology in support of sustainable socio-economic activities in Nigeria, “ he said.
Speaking, Mr Jean Blasé, West African Representative for Earth Network, said the equipment would enhance NiMet to further extend its weather forecast to neighboring countries.
Blasé said EN developed a lightning detection and surface monitoring technology that detected a large portion of in-cloud to Ground (CG) lightning.
According to him, EN utilises data to enhance weather forecast and enable its proprietary products known as dangerous `Thunderstorm Alert` and pulse raid respectively.
“EN also produces and delivers high resolution proof forecasts known as ENcast and other derivative products, “ he said.
(NAN)
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