TECHNICAL REPORT ON STUDENT INDUSTRIAL
WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

UNDERTAKEN AT

THE NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NIMET),
ZARIA, KADUNA STATE

SUBMITTED TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE AHMADU
BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA

BY

SOLOMON IFETAYO ONASANYA
U09GS1052

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BSC GEOGRAPHY

JUNE – NOVEMEBER, 2012

CERTIFICATION

I, Solomon Ifetayo Onasanya with Reg. No: U09GS1052 hereby certify that this report was written by me as part of the experience acquired during my SIWES at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Zaria, Kaduna State, under the supervision of:

______________________ ________________________
Mrs. Maria Abubakar Date
Department SIWES Supervisor
(First visit)

_________________________ ________________________
Mr. S. Abubakar Date
Department SIWES Supervisor
(Second visit)

__________________________ ________________________ Dr. I.J. Musa Date
Head of department

___________________________ ________________________ A. U. Kibbon Date
Departmental SIWES Coordinator

DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to God Almighty who has given me the strength, grace and wisdom required for this SIWES programme and the successful completion of it.

This work is also dedicated to my parent Mr. Onasanya Solomon whom God has being using to sponsor my academic programme.
Finally, this work is dedicated to the beneficial use of man-kind.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I ascribed my SIWES success to God Almighty who in His abundant mercies enables me to materialize my aspiration and crystallized my dreams into reality throughout the SIWES programme.

I want to also appreciate my industrial based supervisor; Mr. Folorunsho E. (Officer incharge) NIMET, Zaria for his constant support in all facets towards the successful completion of the SIWES programme and I will not fail to appreciate all the staff of NIMET, Zaria, among whom are Mrs. Daniel, Mr. Olatoke, Mr. Bernard, Mr. Victor, Mr. Danfulani and Engr. Rabiu. Thank you all for your support. I appreciate Mrs. Mairo Abubakar, and Mr. Salisu Abubakar, my departmental supervisors for their visit and advice during the course of this programme.

I want to appreciate my fellow industrial attachees, among whom includes, Saidu Shedrach, Onasanya Ifetayo, Akpa Joy, Ajibike Zuliat, Andrew, Sanah, Samuel, Mary, Joshua etc. for their support, thank you all.

Finally, to all whose names I cannot easily recall now who has assisted in one way or the other. I am proud to have associated with you all and may God bless all of you.

ABSTRACT

This is a report of a six (6) months Industrial training undertaken at Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Zaria, Kaduna State, from June to November, 2012 in partial fulfillment of the award of B.Sc. (Hons) Geography, Faculty of Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

This page gives the reader an overview of the content and the scope of the report of the whole experience and observation at NIMET, Zaria office, which are in two sections; the Administration office – header by officer-in-charge, and the observatory desk/table.

This work consist of four (4) chapters; chapter one (1) provides a historical perspective on SIWES, its aims and objectives, brief history of NIMET, its location in Zaria, mission and vision, description of its organizational structural chart, staff strength and the activities undertaken at NIMET, Zaria.

Chapter two (2) of this work provides the literature review of this work. Chapter three (3) provides for instrumentation and data collection used for meteorological report preparation.
Chapter four (4) of this work gives the result and discussion obtained in chapter three (3). It also provides summary, conclusion and recommendation.

Thus, this report will be useful to pilots, farmers, researchers, geographers (climatologists), transporters, marketers/ traders etc. and to the general public.

TABLE OF CONTENT
Title page ………………………………………………………………………………………….i
Certification……………………………………………………………………………………….ii
Dedication ………………………………………………………………………………………..iii
Acknowledgement ……………………………………………………………………………….iv
Abstract …………………………………………………………………………………………..v
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
Historical perspective of SIWES ……………………………………………………….2
1.1 I.T.F. Organizational structure …………………………………………………………2
1.2 Aims of SIWES…………………………………………………………………………2
1.3 Objectives of SIWES……………………………………………………………………3
1.4 SIWES in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria…………………………………….4
1.5 Brief history of NIMET………………………………………………………………...4 Organizational structure of NIMET…………………………………………………….5
1.5.1. Act of establishment……………………………………………………………………6
1.5.2. Aims of NIMET………………………………………………………………………..6
1.5.3. Objective of NIMET……………………………………………………………………6
1.5.4. Scope of operation of NIMET………………………………………………………….7
1.6 Locational description of NIMET, Zaria……………………………………………….8
1.6.1. Staff strength of NIMET, Zaria…………………………………………………………8
1.6.2. Activities undertaken at NIMET, Zaria…………………………………………………8

CHAPTER TWO Literature Review
2.1 What is Meteorology………………………………………………………………………9
2.2 Branches of Meteorology………………………………………………………………...10
2.2.1. Aviation Meteorology……………………………………………………………………10
2.2.2. Maritime Meteorology…………………………………………………………………...10
2.2.3. Agricultural Meteorology...........................................................................................…...10
2.2.4 Hydro Meteorology………………………………………………………………………11
2.2.5. Nuclear meteorology……………………………………………………………………..11
2.3 Meteorological observations……………………………………………………………..11
2.4 Meteorological/ weather station………………………………………………………….12
2.4.1. Type of weather observatory stations……………………………………………………12
2.5 Preparation of Weather Reports…………………………………………………………13
2.6 Dissemination of weather reports………………………………………………………..13
2.6.1. Characteristics of weather report dissemination…………………………………………14
2.7 Applications of meteorological weather reports…………………………………………14
CHAPTER THREE
Instrumentation/ Data Collection
3.0 Study area………………………………………………………………………………...15
3.1 Instrumentation…………………………………………………………………………..15
3.1.1 Stevenson’s screen……………………………………………………………………….16
3.1.2 Dry bulb thermometer……………………………………………………………………16
3.1.3 Wet bulb thermometer…………………………………………………………………...16
3.1.4 Piche evaporimeter……………………………………………………………………….16
3.1.5 Maximum Thermometer……………...………………………………………………….17
3.1.6 Minimum Thermometer………………..………………………………………………..17
3.1.7 Soil Thermometer………………………..………………………………………………17
3.1.8 Ordinary Rainguage (daily rain guage)…...……………………………………………...18
3.1.9 Autographic rain guage (automatic rainguage)…………………………………………..18
3.1.10 sunshine recorder………………………………………………………………………...19
3.1.11 Wind vane………………………………………………………………………………..20
3.1.12 Wind suck………………………………………………………………………………..20
3.1.13 Class A pan………………………………………………………………………………21
3.1.14 Cup counter anemometer………………………………………………………………...21
3.1.15 Gunn Bellani……………………………………………………………………………..22
3.1.16 Barograph………………………………………………………………………………...22
3.1.17 Barometer………………………………………………………………………………...23
3.1.18 Humidity Slide Rule……………………………………………………………………..24
3.2 Data collection…………………………………………………………………………...24
3.2.1 Surface wind (speed and direction)………………………………………………………24
3.2.1.1 Surface wind speed data………………………………………………………………….25
3.2.1.2 Surface wind direction data……………………………………………………………...25
3.2.2 Evaporation (amount and rate)…………………………………………………………..25
3.2.2.1 Evaporation amount……………………………………………………………………..25
3.2.2.2 Evaporation rate…………………………………………………………………………26
3.2.3 Visibility…………………………………………………………………………………26
3.2.4 Rainfall (Amount, Duration and Intensity)………………………………………………26
3.2.4.1 Rainfall amount…………………………………………………………………………..27
3.2.4.2 Rainfall duration and intensity…………………………………………………………...27
3.2.5 Soil temperature………………………………………………………………………….27
3.2.6 Air temperature and dew point temperature……………………………………………..28
3.2.6.1 Mode of generation (air temperature)……………………………………………………28
3.2.6.2 Mode of generation (dew point temperature)……………………………………………28
3.2.7 Atmospheric pressure and vapour pressure……………………………………………...28
3.2.7.1 Atmospheric pressure……………………………………………………………………28
3.2.7.2 Vapour pressure………………………………………………………………………….29
3.2.8 Relative humidity………………………………………………………………………..30
3.2.9 Daily Temperature (maximum and minimum)…………………………………………..30
3.2.9.1 Daily Maximum Temperature……………………………………………………………30
3.2.9.2 Daily Minimum Temperature……………………………………………………………31
3.2.10 Sunshine (Intensity and Duration)……………………………………………………….31
3.2.10.1 Sunshine Intensity…………………………………………………………………….31
3.2.10.2 Solar duration…………………………………………………………………………32
3.2.11 Cloud cover………………………………………………………………………………33
3.2.12 Weather phenomena……………………………………………………………………...33
CHAPTER FOUR
Result, discussion, conclusion and recommendation
4.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………34
4.1 Result…………………………………………………………………………………….34
4.1.1 Rainfall result…………………………………………………………………………….34
4.1.2 Evaporation result………………………………………………………………………..35
4.1.3 Wind speed result, September, 2012……………………………………………………..36
4.1.4 Daily maximum and minimum air temperature/ relative humidity result for the month of September, 2012…………………………………………………………………………38
4.2 Discussion………………………………………………………………………………..41
4.3 Summary…………………………………………………………………………………41
4.4 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….42
4.5 Recommendations………………………………………………………………………..42
Bibliography
Appendices

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF SIWES
The Student industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is the accepted skills training programme which form part of the approved minimum academic standard in the various degree programme for Nigerian universities, polytechnics and Nigerian Colleges of Education (N.C.E).
Industrial Training Fund (I.T.F.) established Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) in 1973. SIWES started operation in 1974 with 748 students from 11 institutions of higher learning, after it operation has being empowered by the provision of Degree 47 of 8th October, 1971, which empower I.T.F. to promote and encourage the acquisition of skills in industries and commerce with a view to generating a pool of indigenous trained man power, sufficient to meet the needs of the Nigerian economy. By 1978, the scope of participation in the scheme increased to about 5000 students from 32 institutions. The I.T.F. however, withdraws from the management of the skill in 1979 due to the problems of organizational logistics and the increased financial burdens associated with the rapid expansion of the scheme. Thus, the federal government funded the scheme through the National University Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (MBTE) who ran the scheme for five (5) years (1979 - 1984) in conjunction with other respective institutions during these periods.
SIWES was reviewed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, resulting in Degree 16 of August, 1985, which required that “all students enrolled in specialized engineering, technical, business, applied sciences and applied arts should have supervised industrial attachment as part of the studies”. Hence, the I.T.F. was directed by the Federal Government to take charge and assume responsibility for the management of the scheme in collaboration with the supervising agencies which are the NUC, NBTC, and the National Commission for College of Education (NCCE).
From the above resolution of managing of SIWES by the I.T.F in 1984 the scheme has witnessed tremendous expansion. Between 1985 and 1995, the number of institutions and students participation rose from 141 to 57,432 respectively.
Between 1995 and 2003, a total of 176 institutions and 534,210 students participated in SIWES. In 2008, the number of participating institutions raised to 204 while the number of students that participated was 210,390.
Presently, the number of students participating in the scheme is well over 300,000 from 205 institutions across the country as managed by I.T.F. in conjunction with; NUC (National University Commission) NBTE (National Board for Technical Education) NCCE (National commission for College of Education)
The scheme varied in duration from Universities to Polytechnics and Colleges of Education ranges from 6 months to 1 year industrial attachments. I.T.F. ORGANISATION STRUCTURE
The I.T.F. began as parastatal “B” in 1971, but later became parastatal “A” in 1981 with a Director-General (DG) as its chief executive under the ministry of Industry. The ITF has a governing council of 13 members. It operate 6 headquarters, departments with each headed by a Director, 3 units is attached to the Director- General’s office, which are headed by deputy directors.
The ITF has 27 Area Offices nationwide, 2 skill training centers, and one center for industrial training excellence.
1.2. AIM OF SIWES
This scheme is designed to expose students to the industrial environment and to enable them develop occupational skills, useful to the nation’s economic and technological development after graduation.
1.3. OBJECTIVES OF SIWES
The industrial training fund’s policy document of No.1 of 1973, which establishes SIWES, outlines a number of objectives for the scheme, which are as follows: To provide an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial skills and experience during their course of study To prepare students for industrial work situation which may likely be the case after graduation To expose the work methods, ethics and techniques in handling equipment and machineries this may not be available in the institutions. To make the transition from school to the outside world much easier this will make the student foreign to the outside world. To provide with the opportunities to apply their educational knowledge into real work experience, thereby bridging the gap between the theory and practical. To help infuse self-independence after graduation, thus, promoting the development of micro-economic of the state and its technological advancement. To enlist and strengthen employers participation in the educational process through SIWES.
1.4 SIWES IN AHMADU BELLOW UNIVERSITY (ABU), ZARIA
The SIWES programme is part of the academic program of ABU, Zaria. The period of commencement varies from faculties to faculties e.g. Faculty Science, Arts, Social Sciences, etc. commence the scheme in second semester of 300 Level, while the Faculty of Education commences second semester 400 Level (called “Teaching practice”). In compliance with the rules setting of SIWES by the I.T.F., the programme runs for 6 months in Geography Department of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The establishment of SIWES unit is headed by a coordinator on campus who plays vital roles in actualization of the programme and is saddled with the responsibility of providing effective coordination of the scheme and the SIWES agency. The coordinator also liased with respective department SIWES units for prompt preparation of students’ preparation of students placement list, preparing and updating letters of request for introduction and placement of students.
The university SIWES Coordinator is collaborating with the I.T.F. Zonal office organizes orientation of the scheme to students in preparation for the 6 months scheme.
The coordinator also ensures that the attachees receive prompt payment of allowances, both to students and departmental supervisors.
1.5 BRIEF HISTORY OF NIMET
The overall mission of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) is to observe the Nigerian weather and climate conditions, to make world standard weather predictions and services for the nation’s socio-economic development with respect to safety of lives and properties.
Before its enactment, the agency operated as a department of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and rendered meteorological services primarily in areas of aviation, water resources, marine, education, health care, agriculture, construction industries, e.t.c.
Then the level and quality of meteorological services were largely determined by fund and other resources made available to it by the government and the services were given free to the public.
Presently, as a semi-autonomous institution, NIMET in compliance with government direction to all public institutions is to produce a committed market/ consumer oriented services in effective and efficient prescription of climatic requirement for all sectors of economic actives in Nigeria.
NIMET has a network of weather observing station scattered across the country and operate several customer service centers in all airport and aerodrome facilities, where customers can obtain prompt and effective service as well as lodge complaints in case of failure or ineffective service.
1.5.1. ACT OF ESTABLISHMENT
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) came into existence in June 19th, 2003 an act of parliament established “Act 2003 No. 9 published of official gazette No.46 Vol. 19 of 22nd July, 2003”.
The enactment provides the agency to engage on activities that are direct impact of aviation industry (aeronautics meteorology) amongst other aspect of human endeavours.
1.5.2. AIM OF NIMET
The overall aim of NIMET is to observe Nigeria weather and climate patterns and to provide meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic services in support of national needs and international obligations.
1.5.3. The following are objective of NIMET To human and environmental sustainability To ensure safe operation of air and marine transportations For cooperate interaction with framework of global practices in the science of meteorology. To advice the government on policy development in meteorological matters.
1.5.4 SCOPE OF OPERATION (NIMET)
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency is charged with the following responsibilities in order to achieve the above aim and set objectives. Advice the federal government on all aspect of meteorological operations and policies Project, prepare and interpret government policy in the field of meteorology. Issue weather forecast for the safe operation of aircraft, ocean going vessel, land transportation, oil rigs operations, etc by issuing climatic bulletin, climate maps, seasonal rainfall forecast, weather forecast, as well as daily electronic media forecast. To keep in safe custody all meteorological archive, which is useful prescribing climatic advice for aviation, military, agricultural, environmental pollution, bio- meteorology, etc for climate and human health activities Train, conduct and undertake research in all fields of meteorology and seismology. Ensure uniform standard of observation of meteorological data within the country and subsequent release of such observations to the international community for simulations correlation. It ensures that international standard and practices are maintained. It offers specialized services such as meteorological Aerodrome Routine forecast (NETAR), Meteorological Special Aerodrome report (SPECI), Terminal Aerodrome Cast (TAF), Significant Weather Charts (SIG, WEATHER), forecast for take-off and landing operations, and significant meteorological information (SIGMET). Helps in the management, monitoring and mitigation against natural disaster by issuing forecast for search and rescue.
1.6 LOCATION/DESCRIPTION OF NIMET, ZARIA
Among the numerous Nigerian Meteorological Agency spread across the country, one of is the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Zaria.
Its absolute location is latitude 11008/N and Longitude 07041/E of the equator, with Altitude of about 655m (Above Sea Level).
Its relative location is Zaria located inside the compound of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, (formally known as Nigeria Civil Aviation training Centre (NCATC). This college is located in Palladan, a suburb of Zaria in Kaduna State. NIMET, Zaria has an approximate distance of 6km from the highest spot in Zaria (Kufena Hill) with a SW direction from the station.
NIMET, Zaria is located in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria, hence its climate is characterized by two distinct seasons i.e. the raining and the dry seasons.
The raining season begins in April/May and ends in September/early October. The dry season begins in November and ends in March. The rainfall varies annually, with a mean of about 10877mm.
1.6.1 STAFF STRENGTH OF NIMET, ZARIA
The staff strength of NIMET is about 10 with four (4) observatory personnel; three (3) non-observatory personnel and one (1) officer in charge, which all other personnel report to, see the administration of the daily running of the station, etc.
1.6.2 ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN AT NIMET, ZARIA
NIMET, Zaria is not a forecast office or station, but an observatory office/station. It is primarily set-up to provide meteorological servicing and functions to the flight school of NCAT for use by pilots and trainees.
Hence, the following are the activities undertaken at NIMET, Zaria; Hourly observation of weather phenomenon and weather elements e.g. temperature, cloud, rain, mist, wind, visibility, e.t.c. Makes weather observation phenomenon available to flight school in NCAT, Zaria. Generates, prepares and forwards METAR, SPECI, TAF, e.t.c. of Zaria weather to NIMET, Lagos via NIMET, Kaduna and NIMET, Abuja. Daily generation of weather registration i.e. entering the daily weather observation into the daily weather register. The preparation of weather phenomenon and element returns, which is subsequently forwarded to NIMET, Lagos via NIMET, Abuja. Perform advisory roles to the management of NCAT, Zaria on meteorological issues Records and store meteorological data, for subsequent use by clients or government either for research purposes or for application purposes.

CHAPTER TWO
This chapter introduced the critiques of other writer about the various subjects associated with meteorology, such as meteorological observations, meteorological reports, preparation of weather reports, requirements for weather reports preparations e.t.c.
2.1 WHAT IS METEOROLOGY
According to the Glossary of Meteorology (2000), meteorology is defined as the scientific study of the earth atmosphere and its changes which include the day to day variations and the predictions of weather conditions.
Meteorology is the inter-disciplinary scientific study of the atmosphere or, it is the science that studies atmospheric phenomenon especially those that relate to weather i.e. the day to day atmospheric condition of a place (Anderson, 2009).
The day to day weather phenomena usually studied by meteorologist, occurs majorly within the earth’s tropospheric layers (between 0 – 15km or 18km form the earth surface). These phenomena may includes; air temperature, atmospheric pressure, water vapour in the atmosphere (humility), cloud cover, wind speed and direction, visibility, amount of solar insolation, precipitation and other weather variables such as thunderstorm, fog, haze, mist, dust, storm, e.t.c. and how these phenomena differ in space and in time over local, regional and global scale (Journal of meteorological service, 2004).
When a weather phenomenon is observed and through the application of science and technology, it is used to predict the state of the atmosphere for a future time and over a given location, is called Weather Forecasting, (Glossary of Meteorology, 2000). However, when this day to day weather observatory is done over the mean period of 30 years, it is referred to as Climatology (ICAO Journal, 2004).
2.2 BRANCHES OF METEOROLOGY

Meteorology, climatology and atmospheric physics are all sub-disciplines of the atmospheric science.

Meteorology and hydrology compose the inter-disciplinary field of hydro-meteorology (meteorological
Service for International Air Navigation, (2004)).
According to Hutchin and Klausen (1996), there are five (5) basic branches of meteorology, which are Aviation Meteorology, Agricultural Meteorology, hydrometeorology, Maritime Meteorology and Nuclear Meteorology.
2.2.1 AVIATION METEOROLOGY
Aviation meteorology deals with the impact of weather on Air-Traffic Management (ATM). It is important for crew to understand the implication of weather on their flight plans as well as their aircraft, a s noted by the Aeronautical Information Manual (2000).
2.2.2 MARITIME METEOROLOGY
Maritime meteorology (also known as oceanography) deals with air and wave forecast for ship operation at the sea. Organization such Ocean Predict Centre (OPC), National Weather Service’s forecast office, United Kingdom, Met Office, and KMA prepare high seas forecast for the world’s ocean.
2.2.3 AGRICULTURAL METEOROLOGY
Meteorologist, soil scientist, agricultural hydrologist and agronomist are persons concerns with the study of effects of weather and climates on plant distributions, crop yield, water used efficiency, phenology of plants and animal development, and the energy balance of managed and natural ecosystem. Conversely, they are interested in the role of vegetation on climate and weather, (Glossary of Meteorology, 2000).
2.2.4 HYDROMETEOROLOGY
This is the branch of meteorology that deals with the hydrological cycle, the water budget and the rainfall statistics of storms (Glossary of meteorology, 2000). A hydro-meteorologist prepares and issues a forecast of accumulating (quantitative) precipitation, heavy rainfall, heavy snow and highlight area with the potential for flash flooding.
2.2.5 NUCLEAR METEOROLOGY
This is a relatively new fundamental branch of meteorology which deals with the investigation of the distribution of radioactive aerosols and gases in the atmosphere (Glossary of Meteorology, 2000)
2.3 METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATION
A meteorological observation is a snap-shot of the state of the atmosphere and environment at a given time comprises of one or more meteorological elements, carried-out either by visual estimation or with aid of appropriate instrument, (Nigerian Meteorological Agency; Local Standard Operating Procedure (LSOP), Zaria Airport, Zaria (unpublished)).
In 2006, the journal of Aviation Safety World explained that the scientific study of these meteorological variables are carried-out with the aid of highly specialized equipments that ensures that accuracy id obtained at the maximum possible level, as timely and complete aerodrome observations are necessary in supporting safety efficient air navigation.
According to Manual of Meteorological services (2004) Meteorological observations involves; The use of highly specialized equipment The timely observation of weather condition or phenomena. This timely observation could be done in; Hourly, Half hourly, Synoptically and Non-synoptically. Weather condition observations made from a geographical location, called weather station.
2.4 METEOROLOGICAL/ WEATHER STATION
According to the Aeronautical Information Manual (2000), a weather station is a geographical location from where all weather phenomena or conditions are observed and measured. This weather observatory station comprises of the following; A standardized instrument enclosure (equipment site) Availability and functionality of highly specialized weather instruments A well trained weather observatory personnel Communicational equipment, available for both local and international communications. Dual and tri-availability of particular weather equipment, for accuracy and reliability.
2.4 TYPE OF WEATHER OBSERVATORY STATIONS
World Meteorological Organisation (1996) advances six (6) types of weather observatory stations; Manned weather Station; visual and instrument observation Automatic Weather station (AWS): exclusively instrument observation Wind Measuring Mast; instrument observation of wind direction and speed only Cabavus measuring Mast: instrument observation at height from 20m to 200m. Precipitation Stations; (Manual) observations of precipitation amount and snow cover. Lightening Detection Mast: observations of lightening discharges.
The distinguishing features of a meteorological stations from other station is that the variables concerned are measured or are observed three regularly in order to provide a real time picture of the actual weather station being measures in that region.
2.5 PREPARATION OF WEATHER REPORTS
According to the Nigerian Meteorology Agency (NIMET), Local Standard Operating Procedure (LSOP), Zaria Airport, Zaria, a weather report is a statement of observed meteorological conditions, related to a specific time and location, and prepares according to the prescribed format for subsequent issues to users.
Meteorological Reports are of various types such as Routine Reports, Special Reports, METAR, SPECI, AEROMET and E-MET reports. All these reports shall contain the under-listed items of information; Identification of the type of report Location of indicator Time of observation (UTC) Surface wind direction and speed Visibility Present weather Cloud amount (type and height of base) Air temperature and dew point temperature QNH (Atmospheric pressure used by Pilots in Hecto-pascal) Supplementary information (e.g. additional remarks/information) QFE (station level pressure in Hecto-pascal)
The SPECI is a special weather report which is done when there is a change in the environmental and meteorological condition of a place, with respect to the change in; Surface wind, Visibility, Present weather and Cloud (amount, types, bases, e.t.c.). These changes could have either deteriorating effect or improving effect on the above meteorological parameters.
2.6 DISSEMINATION OF WEATHER REPORTS
Real time meteorological product such as forecast and warnings are highly perishable and must be disseminated rapidly in the most efficient way to the intended audience for it to be of any use (Alderson, et’al., 2009).
According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), 4SOP, Zaria (Unpublished) asserted that the meteorological report should be disseminated beyond the acrodrome in a manner agreed between the ATs provider and the NICAA. This is normally achieved by the transmission of routine reports to control tower, Ikeja, Oshodi and Abuja).
2.6.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF WEATHER REPORT DISSEMINATION
The following are advance by the NIMET, Zaria (LSOP) (Unpublished); Timeliness The Anderson meteorological observation service provider shall allocate sufficient time resources to the aerodrome meteorological observing staff to enable them carry out observing duties. Data collection for observation is made at ten (10) minutes to the hour for (hourly observation, must begin no earlier than 15 minutes to the hour) METAR report is made at 10 minutes to the hour for hourly observation and completed by 5 minutes to the hour. Special report when applicable should be made without delay and recorded in the appropriate manner.
2.7 APPLICATION OF METEOROLOGICAL WEATHER REPORTS
According to the Glossary of meteorology (2000), meteorological reports has varied and wide applications in the following fields or branches of human endeavours; Agricultural practice, Aviation industry, Construction industry, Market/market places, Architectural practices, Geological practices/activities, Geographical activities, Forestry and wild life, Fishery industry, Trade and commerce, Transportation (road, rail, etc) industry and Educational/ academic activities.

CHAPTER THREE
INSTRUMENTATION/DATA COLLECTION
3.0 STUDY AREA
This research demonstrated as an industrial attachment scheme was conducted at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Zaria Kaduna State. This study lasted for six (6) months i.e. between (June – October, 2012).
3.1 INSTRUMENTATION
These refer to various specialized instruments used in obtaining meteorological data in a meteorological station or unit.
3.1.1 STEVENSON SCREEN
The Stevenson screen is a rectangular wooden bade provided with doors at the back and front, invented on steel or timber stand, so that its base is about 1.1m above the ground. The side, back and front are double-louvered, the roof is double and the base consist of overlapping boards separated vertically by an air space. A series of inch diameter brass liners in the inner roof helps the air circulations between the inner and the outer roofs.
The Stevenson’s screen present in NIMET, Zaria enclosure houses the following meteorological instruments; Maximum thermometers, Minimum thermometer, Wet bulb thermometer, Dry bulb thermometer and Picheevaporimeter.
The screen shields the thermometer from precipitation and radiation, while at the sometimes allowing

free passage of air. Plate 1: Stevenson Screen

3.1.2 DRY BULB THERMOMETER
The dry bulb thermometer is mercury-in-glass thermometer, which is used to indicate the temperature of the air at the time of observation. It is used to register the atmospheric air temperature at any time.
3.1.3 WET BULB THERMOMETER
The wet bulb thermometer is identically the same as the dry bulb, except the bulb is coated with muslim cap, which is kept continuously wet by means of a wick cotton strands, the end of which dip into the distilled water or clean rain water contained in a small vessel or reservoir termed as the “Contant level cistern”. This instrument is used to obtain dew point, vapour pressure and relative humidity via computations.
3.1.4 PICHE EVAPORIMETER
The piche evaporimeter is standard equipment for all synoptic stations.
The Piche-evaporimeter is hung in the Stevenson screen from a brass hook screwed into the top inside the screen six inches from the roof/ceiling of the Stevenson screen. At the base of the Piche-evaporimeter is a filter paper held to the glass by an aluminum clip. It is used to account for the rate of evaporation.
3.1.5 MAXIMUM THERMOMETER
The maximum thermometer is composed of mercury in glass. The change in the mercury level in the glass indicates the change in the maximum temperature. It provides the maximum temperature of the day.
3.1.6 MINIMUM THERMOMETER
Unlike the maximum thermometer, the minimum thermometer is composed of alcohol in the glass, which allows the indicator to slide freely along the tube at any change in temperature. The thermometer is placed in the Stevenson screen in an approximately horizontal position. It gives the minimum temperature obtained in a day.
3.1.7 SOIL THERMOMETER
This thermometer is composed of mercury with a bend in the stem between the bulb and the lowest graduation. The bulb is sunk in the soil to a required depth and the graduation portion of the stem above the bend is place above the soil resting on a regular iron cast. At NIMET, Zaria, the soil thermometers are buried at 5cm, 10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 50cm and 100cm respectively. Plate 2: This instrument is used to account for the soil temperature at varying depth.
3.1.8 ORDINARY RAINGUAGE (DAILY RAINGUAGE)
The upper part of this instrument consists of the cylindrical portion with an accurately turned and beveled brass rim. To which the funnel is attached. This fit closely on top of an outer case with a splayed base. Inside the outer case is cylindrical inner can with a handle of brass wires and inside the inner can is placed a glass bottle with a narrow neck. The cylindrical portion and the inner can are made from seamless drawn copper tubing, but the reminder of the guage apart from the brass copper with soldered seams. The brass rim have diameter of about 12.7cm the cylindrical section is made over 10.1cm deep to minimize the amount of rain lost by splashing from the side of the funnel. The rainguage is sunk firmly into the ground, so that the rain of the funnel is horizontally and 45.7cm above the ground. This device is used to obtain the amount of rainfall per time.

Automatic Rainguage Automatic Rainguage (Open)
3.1.9 AUTOGRAPHIC RAINGUAGE (AUTOMATIC RAINGUAGE)
The dines filling siphon rainguage is a self-recording instrument which makes an automatic and continuous records of the amount of rainfall. The instrument is composed of several parts such as; The water chamber The light floats carrying the rod and pen in the customary manner The knife-edge on which the chamber is mounted The siphon-tube The counter-weight The upright-rod The drum, chart and the clock work The funnel which collect the rain water The gate suspension
3.1.10 SUNSHINE RECORDER
This instrument is composed of spherical glass that concentrates the sun-rays on a particular spot or position. It is mounted on an iron cast stand above ground surface. Attached beneath the mounted spherical glass is a card which is sensitive to sunshine insolation as concentrated by the spherical glass. The type of sunshine recorder present at NIMET, Zaria enclosure is the “Campell stroke” sunshine recorder. This instrument records the duration of the sunlight received per day. Plate 5: Sunshine Recorder
3.1.11 WIND VANE
This instrument is used to determine wind direction. The vane consist of a horizontal arm carrying at one end a flat rectangular fin and at other a counter weight mounted on a vertical spindle which is free to rotate on a journal ball-bearing.
This device rotates with the minimum friction, its designed to produce the minimum torque relative to its moment of inertia and balanced to avoid force towards any direction. Plate 6: Wind vane
3.1.12 WIND SUCK
This instrument is complementing to wind vane in that it is used to estimate the direction of the wind. It is made up of polyester materials with opening at both ends (up and down) which allows for a free passage of air and exit of air. It is mounted on a metal stand with an approximate height of 30 meters. Plate 7: Wind suck
3.1.13 CLASS A PAN
This instrument measures the amount of evaporation from a free water surface. It is composed of a pen and a graduated hook used for adjusting the height of the water in the pan. The pan is sitted on a wooden construct. The hook is graduated in millimeters and inches. The type present in NIMET, Zaria is US Class A Pan.

Plate 8: Class A Pan
3.1.14 CUP COUNTER ANEMOMETER
This is a wind instrument that counts digitally the velocity of the wind. It has three conical cups that turns on the bearing. The spindle is connected to a revolution counter and the gear-ration is so chosen in relation indicated directly to the run of wind miles, tenth and hundredth, the counter mechanism has six figures. The instrument is mainly used in acquiring wind speed average over long period and having no provision for distant indictor. The more the wind speed, the more the number of revolution. Plate 9: Cup Counter Anemometer
3.1.15 GUNN BELLANI
This is an instrument found in the enclosure, which measures the amount of solar radiation received on the surface. It is composed of an upper conical shape with cylindrical attached tube that is graduated. The base inside the conical shape is a black rubber that contains water. The instrument in buried to the ground with only 1 cm of it being exposed to the surface, in which the sun rays incident. The exposed part is the conical shape having the black rubber, which slips the water it contains as impinges on it, such that the amount of slips water from the conical with the black rubber is equal to the amount of radiation received. Plate 10: Gunn Bellani
3.1.16 BAROGRAPH
This instrument is composed of a corrugated metal box which expands and contracts with changes in atmospheric pressure. The base is nearly exhausted of air and is prevented from collapsing by a strong metal spring. The spring and the box act as the balancing element such that increase in atmospheric pressure causes the box to compress, while decrease in pressure allows it to bulge outwards. The small movement thus produced are magnified by a system of lever and communicated to pivoted arm carrying a recording pan which makes the record on a chart wrapped round a drum driven by a clock-work. Thus a continuous trace of pressure charge is obtained on the chart ruled horizontally in pressure units and vertically in unit of time. This instrument is an in-door instrument. Plate 12: Barograph
3.1.17 BAROMETER
This instrument is used to count atmospheric pressure at a time. The mercury in barometer consist of a vertical glass tube in which the barometer column is supported, and cistern to which the mercury which seals the lower end of the tube and a scale with which to measure the height of the column. Additionally, since the determination of pressure involves knowledge of the density of the barometric fluid, which is a function of the temperature, an attached thermometer is essentially attached. This instrument is an indoor instrument. Plate 13: Barometer
3.1.18 HUMILIDY SLIDE RULE
This instrument is used to compute for the dew point, vapor pressure and relative humility. This is obtained using the computation made from wet and dry bulb thermometer respectively. The instrument has an attached cursor which is used in deriving the dew point, vapor pressure and relative humility respectively. Plate 14: Humility Slide Rule
3.2 DATA COLLECTION
Data could be described as anything that contains facts. Based on sources, data can be classified into primary and secondary sources of data. While the former involves data obtained via third party i.e. data which does not originate from the researcher. There are various types of data, depending on the purpose and the use that data is to be put into.
The various types of data collected at the NIMET, Zaria during this SIWES period are describe below and their and their mode of generation. figure. 3.2.1 SURFACE WIND (SPEED AND DIRECTION)
This data type is obtained via the instrument known as Cup Counter Anemometer and the wind ware respectively.
3.2.1.1 SURFACE WIND SPEED DATA
The use of anemometer gives the speed, it kis observed at height approximately 10m above the ground.
Mode of Generation The wind speed is read at the counter mechanism on the anemometer autographical/eye reading. The above obtained value is subtracted from the initial or previously read value to get the actual speed for the hour, measured in knots. This data type is generated at synoptic hours (0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2100 GMT)
3.2.1.2 SURFACE WIND DIRECTION DATA
The wind vane is used to generate this type of data, observed at a height approximately 1cm above the ground.
Mode of generation An autographic/eye reading of the wind vane is made, so as to establish the direction to which the spindle is pointing to. The observed direction includes North, south, East, West, North-East, South- West, etc This data is generated hourly at NIMET, Zaria.
3.2.2 EVAPORATION (AMOUNT AND RATE)
Evaporation described a physical process whereby water/ fluid is converted to gaseous form in response to temperature escape into the atmosphere. This phenomenon can be estimated interms of amount and rate.
3.2.2.1 EVAPORATION AMOUNT
The Autographic layer reading of the graduated hook attached to the Class A Pan provides the evaporation.
Mode of generation The Class A Pan is read autographically (the graduated hook) at every 0600hrs GMT daily. The above read is subtracted from the previously read to get the actual amount of evaporation daily and it is measured in millimeters or centimeters
3.2.2.2 EVAPORATION RATE
The Piche-evaporimeter is used to estimate the rate of evaporation.
Mode of generation An autographic reading of the Piche-evaporimeter is made The obtain value is subtracted from the previous value to get the actual value (in case where the peak has not been reset) The piche is read at every synoptic hour (0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2100, etc) and it is reset once a day at 0900hrs GMT. It is measured in millimeter (ml)
3.2.3 VISIBILITY
Visibility could be described as the ability of the eye to see and recognize and features with respect to its position.
Mode of generation The autographic sighting and recognizing visibility marks or targets. It is measured in kilometer (km) or meter (m) It is observed hourly at NIMET, Zaria When visibility is less than 10km, it is recorded in thousands e.g. 0800m, 0600m, etc. But when visibility is above 10km, it is recorded as 9999m while “0000” is used to indicate visibility less sthan 50m.
3.2.4 RAINFALL (AMOUNT, DURATION AND INTENSITY)
Rainfall is a form of precipitation formed in the atmosphere and released to the earth surface under the influence of gravity.
3.2.4.1 RAINFALL AMOUNT
This refers to the volume of rainfall received per time over a given area. This data could be generated by the ordinary rainguage as well as by the automatic rainguage.
Mode of generation When rainfall ends, water collected by the funnel by the rainguage which was emptied into an attached bottle is obtained and measured. It is measured in millimeters (mm). This data is obtained daily after each rain.
3.2.4.2 RAINFALL DURATION AND INTENSITY
This data provides the time extent to which rainfall was experienced. This data can be generated autographically using terms as light rain, heavy rain, drizzle, showers, etc. for the case of intensity and the use of minutes and hours for the case of duration.
3.2.5 SOIL TEMPERATURE
Soil temperature refers to that increase or decrease in the hotness or coldness of part of the earth surface composed of organic matter, parent materials, water and air, which has nutrient that can support plant growth. The dominant source of soil temperature is solar insolation. It is measured by soil thermometer.
Mode of generation This data is generated by the autographical eye reading of the soil thermometer buried at various depths. (5,10,20,30,50 and 100cm) This data is generated at every synoptic hour in NIMET, Zaria. It is measured in degree Celsius (0C)
3.2.6 AIR TEMPERATURE AND DEW POINT TEEMPERATURE
The air temperature is the data that explains the degree of hotness or coldness of the atmospheric air, while the dew point temperature is the data that explains the temperature at which below it is saturation of air by moisture and above it is trace amount of moisture in the atmosphere. In dew point it is the temperature that reveals the temperature value of the saturating or non-saturating air column.
3.2.6.1 Mode of generation (Air temperature) The autographic reading of the dry bulb thermometer reveals the air temperature This is observed at every hour in NIMET, Zaria and it is measures in degree Celsius (0C)
3.2.6.2 Mode of generation (Dew point temperature) The autographic reading of the wet and dry bulb thermometers are made The difference between both values above reveals the wet bulb depression. The depression is made to coincide with the value of the wet bulb thermometer reading on the humidity slide role to get the dew point value Then the value of the dew point is obtained at the dew point calibration column on the humidity slide role (see appendix for workings) It is measures in degree Celsius (0C) and it is observed hourly at NIMET, Zaria.
3.2.7 ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE AND VAPOUR PRESSURE
Pressure is described as the force acting/exerting over a given area or force acting per unit area. In meteorological stations, pressure is obtained by Barometer or Barograph instrument.
3.2.7.1 ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted on the earth’s surface and on other because of its weights. In NIMET, Zaria this important climatic element is obtain using the Kew-pattern Barometer (which has attached thermometer) and the barograph.
Mode of generation First read and record the attached temperature on the Kew-pattern barometer autographically. Secondly, top the instrument by its side (to made the mercury shape well formed or concave shape) and use the screw to align venier with the upper meniscus of the mercury level in the Barometer and read off both the main scale and the venier scale. That obtained value is called “ as read” pressure From the “As read pressure”, correction are made to obtain “the station level pressure” (QFE), and the “mean sea level” (QNH) respectively. See appendix for workings The atmospheric pressure, QFE and QNH are obtained hourly at NIMET, Zaria. and it is measured in Hectopascal (Hpa)
3.2.7.2 VAPOUR PRESSURE
The water vapour present in the atmosphere exerts a pressure, which makes up part of the total pressure in air. This partial pressure of the water is known as the vapour pressure.
Mode of generation First, an autographic reading of the wet bulb and dry bulb thermometers are made to obtain the wet bulb and dry bulb temperature respectively. Secondly, subtract the above reading from each other to get the “wet bulb depression” Using the wet bulb depression thermometer, obtain the dew point on the humidity slide rule (see appendix for workings). Adjust the humidity slide rule to 100% on the humidity slide column of the slide rule, using the cursor on the rule, locate the obtained dew point temperature value on the slide, the corresponding value of the dew point is the vapour pressure and that vapour pressure column becomes the vapour pressure of that hour (see appendix for computation). This is obtained hourly at NIMET, Zaria. It is measured in Hectopascal (Hpa).
3.2.8 RELATIVE HUMIDITY
Relative humidity is defined as the ratio (expressed in percentage) of actual vapour pressure to the saturation vapour pressure of the air temperature or the amount of water vapour present in the atmosphere. Manually, it is obtained using the Hygrometer.
Mode of generation Obtain the temperature value of the wet and bulb thermometer respectively Subtract both values from each other to get the wet bulb depression. Using the wet bulb depression and the wet bulb temperature values, obtain the dew point temperature on the Humidity slide rule. Using the dew point temperature, obtain the vapour pressure after the slide rule is set at 100% mark. Adjust the slide rule to vapour pressure mark to obtain the Relative Humidity. It is measured hourly in percentage (%) in NIMET, Zaria.
3.2.9 DAILY TEMPERATURES (MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM) Temperature could be defined as the degree of hot or coldness of a substance, place or thing. It is obtained using the Thermometer, which is measured either in degree Celsius (0C), degree Kelvin or Fahrenheit. See fig for instrument description.
3.2.9.1 DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
This describes the obtained maximum temperature of the day that is obtained via the autographic reading of the mercury composed maximum thermometer. See fig. for description Mode of generation Read the maximum thermometer located at the Stevenson’ Screen autographically. That obtained value is the maximum temperature of the day. This is read at 0900 hrs GMT and reset by facing the thermometer bulb downwards and swing to reset. It is measure in degree Celsius at NIMET, Zaria.
3.2.9.1 DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
This describes the obtained minimum temperature reached in the day/night. It is obtained via the autographic reading of the alcohol composed minimum thermometer.
Mode of generation An autographic reading of the minimum thermometer located at the Stevenson’ screen. That obtained value is the minimum temperature of the day. It is read at 0900hrs GMT, and reset (this is done by facing the opposite side of the bulb downward). It is measured in degree Celsius
3.2.10 SUNSHINE (INTENSSITY AND DURATION)
Sunshine is referred to the amount of solar radiation received on the earth surface from the sun. it is obtained via meteorological instrument known as Sunshine Recorder, Solarimeter, Gunn Bellani, e.t.c.
3.2.10.1 SUNSHINE INTENSITY
This refers to the amount of sunshine received on the earth surface. It is measured using the Solarimeter or Gunn Bellani.
Mode of generation An autographic reading of the Gunn Bellani is made such that the meter level present in the calibrated cylindrical part of the Gunn Bellani is measured. This water is obtained from the block rubber present in the conical upper part of the Gunn Bellani, such that the more intense of the solar radiation, the more water sips from the black ribbon in the conical part of the cylindrical part. The obtained water is measured in milliliter (ml) which is calculated in equivalent to the solar output or sunshine received per day. This data is obtained at every 1800 hrs GMT daily and reset against the next day.
3.2.10.2 SOLAR DURATION
Solar duration described the length of time in a day sunshine was received. It is obtained via a card called “sunshine card” attached to the “sunshine recorder”. Various cards are used at various times and seasons e.g. equinoctical sunshine cards, winter sunshine cards, summer card. The winter card is used in Northern Hemisphere between April to September, and in the Southern Hemisphere between October and February. The equinoctical card is used in transition period, it is used both in northern and southern hemisphere between September and October. The summer card is used in northern and southern hemisphere 12th April to 2nd September. The summer card is also called long curve card.
Mode of generation An autographic reading of the sunshine card such that the equivalent length to which the card was burnt by the sun is proportional. The card is changed daily, weekly It is read out every 1800hrs GMT daily The Campbell stroke sunshine recorder is used at NIMET, Zaria
3.2.11 CLOUD COVER
A cloud is a visible mass of water droplet obtained by the condensation of water vapour released into the atmosphere via adiabatic condition, found suspended in the atmosphere above the earth surface. Clouds are very significant climatic element in Aviation meteorology. Clouds are divided into high, medium and low cloud, based on height, shape and colour. See appendix for cloud chart.
Important parameter of cloud cover The cloud atmospheric coverage (cloud average), the cloud base, the cloud shape and the cloud name (usually optional)
Mode of generation
The cloud is obtained via these processes; Divide the atmosphere into 8 ocktas Sum the total observed cloud together and estimate its possible octa coverage e.g. 2:8, 4:8, e.t.c. It is reported in ocktas.
The cloud base is obtained via this process; Using the knowledge of standardized cloud height variation, 0 – 400m above the earth surface is low cloud, 400m – 800m above the earth surface is medium cloud, > 800m is high clouds. Human visual estimation is used to obtain the cloud base and also human understanding of season is used to obtain the cloud base. It is reported in meters of feet.
The cloud shape is obtained via; Ability to visualized and recognized the shape formed by the cloud e.g. cloud with anvial refers to cumulonimbus cloud (CB), cloud with mountain shape, weather with define outlines or not refers to Commodus cloud. Cloud that occur as thin flakes shapes, refer to as cirrus cloud e.t.c. Cloud reportage is done hourly at NIMET, Zaria.
See appendix for cloud reportage condition.
3.2.12 WEATHER PHENOMENON
The weather phenomenons observed mostly during the period of this report were mist, lightening, thunder, and squall.
SQUALL
Squall is a strong wind that can precede a rain, occurs during the rain or occur after the rain. It is recorded using the wind dial, and reported in knots, see fig¬¬¬¬¬_____ for instruments.
MIST
Mist is obtained when the relative humidity of the environment is higher than 80%
LIGHTENING AND THUNDER These are usually associated with cumulonimbus cloud (CB) and usually observed in the raining or wet seasons.

CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS, DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
4.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter explores the use of graph, chart, curves, e.t.c in discussing the obtained results during the SIWES period at NIMET, Zaria.
4.1 RESULTS
During the period of the SIWES, certain data types were generated e.g Rainfall data, Air temperature, Wind speed and direction, Evaporation rate and amount, Solar radiation etc.
Below are results of the data types represented as follows; Rainfall data result (April – October, 2012) Evaporation data result (September, 2012) Wind speed data result (September, 2012) Daily maximum and minimum air temperature (September, 2012) Relative humidity (September, 2012)
4.1.1 RAINFALL RESULT
The table below shows the rainfall amount from April through October, 2012 as recorded using the Rainguage apparatus (Ordinary rainguage) in obtaining the data.
Table 1: Rainfall Amount (April – October, 2012)
Months April May June July August September October Total
No of Rainy days 1 15 11 17 18 15 5 62
No of Trace 4 - 4 - 1 3 - 12
Amount of Rain (mm) 16.7 270.0 143.7 282.0 395.8 216.1 84.7 1409.0

Trace: - means the amount of rainfall less than 0.25mm
Months of rainfall

Table 1 Rainfall amount (April- October, 2012)
Months April May June July Aug Sept Oct Total
No of rainy days 1 15 11 17 18 15 5 62
No. of trace 4 - 4 - 1 3 - 12
Amount of rain (mm) 16.7 270.0 143.7 282.0 395.8 216.1 84.7 1409.0
Trace: - means the amount of rainfall less than 0.25mm Months of rainfall
4.1.2 EVAPORATION RESULT
The result is obtained from the statistical computation of the evaporation in the month of October, 2012, using the mathematical relation of; X=∑_i^n▒〖=1〗^Xi
Where X = mean evaporation for each synoptic hour, ∑Xi = Summation of evaporation values for each synoptic hour for the month of September 2012, n = total number of recorded evaporation time for each synoptic hour for September.
Table 2: Mean Evaporation Rate of September, 2012 (Piche)
Time (UTC Hrs) 000 0300 0600 0900 1200 1500 1800 2100 Total
Total synoptic 107.4 112.1 116.4 122.1 47.9 75.3 33.5 102.3 777.0
Mean Amount (ml) 3.6 3.7 3.9 4.1 1.6 2.5 3.1 3.4 25.9

4.1.3 Wind speed result (Sept, 2012)
This result is obtained from the statistical composition of the cup counter anemometry values obtained in September 2012.
Table 3: Wind Speed of September 2012
Time (UTC hour) 000 0300 0600 0900 1200 1500 1800 2100
Total synoptic wind speed (twists) 165.75 205.53 134.81 247.52 302.77 285.09 229.84 167.96
Mean synoptic wind speed 7.5 9.3 6.1 11.2 13.7 12.9 10.4 7.6
Angle sector (knots) 34 43 28 51 63 59 48 35

Figure 3: A pie-chart of the main wind speed of Zaria in September, 2012
4.1.4 Daily maximum and Minimum Air Temperature/ Relative Humidity result for the month of September, 2012.
This result was obtained from the reading of maximum and minimum thermometers and the humidity slide rule respectively in the month of September, 2012.
Result for Maximum and Minimum Daily Temperature and Relative Humidity September 2012
Date Max. Temperature Min. Temperature Temp range (0C) Relative humidity (%)
1 25.0 22.0 3 91
2 29.0 19.0 10 88
3 26.0 21.0 5 95
4 26.0 19.0 7 87
5 29.0 21.0 8 80
6 28.0 21.0 7 83
7 30.0 19.0 11 81
8 32.0 21.0 11 75
9 28.0 20.0 8 81
10 28.0 19.0 9 88
11 30.0 20.0 10 85
12 30.0 21.0 9 84
13 28.0 21.0 7 81
14 31.0 21.0 10 74
15 31.0 22.0 9 79
16 25.0 22.0 3 95
17 29.0 19.0 10 82
18 30.0 21.0 9 89
19 32.0 20.0 9 80
20 31.0 21.0 10 84
21 32.0 19.0 13 82
22 30.0 22.0 8 84
23 31.0 20.0 11 78
24 32.0 20.0 12 72
25 32.0 22.0 10 77
26 32.0 21.0 11 83
27 32.0 20.0 12 74
28 32.0 20.0 12 72
29 33.0 24.0 9 74
30 33.0 22.0 11 77

4.2 DISCUSSION
In the course of the six (6) months of SIWES programs, the results below displayed the rainfall data obtained from April to October 2012, the evaporation relative humidity as well as wind speed are data for September, 2012.
From the above results, the following can be deduced The month with the lowest rainfall is April indicating the unset of the rainfall for the year 2012 recording only one rainy day with four (4) traces valued at 16.7mm in all. Between April to October, there was just one peak (the month of August) that is one maximal. This is a typical characteristic of a dry and wet type of climate or the savannah climate i.e. the progressive increase of raining amount up to the peak before declaiming downwards. This month with the highest rainfall is August with a value of 395.8mm with 18 rainy day actually a correction form last. This is the initial known year where July were said to have recorded the highest rainfall. It is also an obvious indication of a climate change on rainfall onset, season and duration. Out of the 215 days we have between April to October, 2012, we had 62 rainy days, 12 trace days and 141 none rainy days. The total raining out recorded between April to October 2012 is 1409.0mm with only rainy days as against 1,082.8mm with 69 rainy days last year 2011. This shows the amount of rainfall in the year 2012 is high compare to hot year; indicating a typical wet and dry type of climate according to Koppen’s classification scheme. Meanwhile the months which recorded the highest amount of “traces” are April and June having 4 traces each. Trace is obtained when the measured amount of rainfall is less than 0.25mm.
ANALYZING THE MEAN EVAPORATION RATE
The following can be deduced for September, 2012. The highest mean evaporation rate recorded at 0900hr (10am local time) with a mean rate of 4.1ml indicating the inception of a high heat of the day. The lowest mean evaporation rate is recorded at 1200 hr (1pm local time) Notably, evaporation occurs in all the hours, this is physical due to the fact that temperature, wind speed, varies from hour to hour. The total obtained mean evaporation for September 2012 is 25.9ml which is relatively high as shown in figure 2. The varying evaporation value indicates that the change of state of water from liquid to gaseous and to solid is undergoing a continuous process on the earth surface. From the figure 2 above the curve shows a sharp fall of evaporation from the highest evaporation rate between the hour of 0900hr (10am local time) and the lowest evaporation rate 1200hr (1pm local time) and there seems to be a gradual rise or increase of evaporation immediate after the lowest evaporation rate was reached.
ANALYSIS OF THE WIND SPEED FOR SEPTEMBER, 2012.
The following ensued; Wind speed is recorded highest at 1200hr (1:00pm) with a value of 302.77 knots and 13.7 knots for both total wind speed recorded and mean wind speed recorded at 1200hrs respectively Wind speed is recorded lowest at 0600 (7am) with a value of 134.81knots and 6.1 knots of total wind speed and mean wind speed respectively. The above implies that, wind is highest in the cool of the day time than in the night time and the direction was more of south westerly direction.
A plot table 5 and figure and data the Relative Humidity obtained in September 2012 shows the following information; The frequency table on table 5 above for R.H for September 2012 has the highest humidity range of 71 to 80 with frequency of 12. Relative Humidity range less than; 70% was not recorded in September 2012 The above obtained value helps in classifying September as one of the four (4) rainy months in the savannah Table 4 reveals that temperature range recorded in September i.e the different between the highest and the lowest attained daily temperature is in the range of 3.50C - 12.70C. This is a typical temperature range associated with the tropical wet and dry climate. The temperature range reveals that temperature can drop as low as 190C and rises as high as above 330C
SUMMARY
The above displayed climatic data types obtained at NIMET, Zaria during the SIWES period of June to October reveals the following; The pattern of rainfall recorded indicates a rainfall pattern associated with the tropical wet and dry climate i.e. Zaria, Kaduna state lies within the tropical wet and dry climate. The dominant wind direction was the south-western direction which indicates that between the provide of April to in Zaria, the south westerly trade wind is prevalent The prevalent south-westerly trade wind is associated with moisture i.e. it is a rain bearing trade wind, and this explains the high Relative humidity usually recorded within the period. The air temperature at this period (April-October) is usually a mean temperature of 280C The above charts and figures reveal that there is a relationship between the rate of evaporation, the amount of rainfall, wind speed and Relative humidity. That is to say, the higher the wind speed, the higher the rate evaporation, and the higher the rate of cloud formation which results to higher rainfall.
CONCLUSION
The SIWES programme is highly relevant to student in higher institution, because practically it has helped to acquaint and breach the knowledge of the student in relation to what has been taught in the classroom and textbooks. Thus a good practical knowledge obtained on climate elements as a geographer helps to appreciate the relationships between the various climatic elements as they relate to nature. Such climatic elements includes; such as Atmospheric pressure, Evaporation, Relative humidity, Wind speed and direction, Air temperature, Sun intensity, Rainfall, Radiation and Cloud height, cloud estimation, as well as cloud measurement. Hence, establishing the fact that the earth system is an open system where element present in it tends to reveal the interdependency between each other.
RECOMMENDATION
The following are hereby recommended; Industrialist that is practical base should be a place of concern for student placement in the course of the scheme. This ensures proper acquaintance of the knowledge sought The rapor and partnership that has been existing between the geography department, ABU, Zaria and NIMET, Zaria should continue The geography department should plan more occasionally to visit the meter stations for practical dimension of class work aside the SIWES programme. Some meteorological courses should be incorporated into the departmental courses. e.g. cloud types, height estimation and measurement, weather reports, etc. Nigerian meteorology in Zaria should continue with their good work and be upgraded by the government to become an automatic meteorological station and the staffs sent for more enlightenment of the modern trend of the meteorology. Phenomenon and refreshing meteorological courses for skill and competence development This SIWES programme should continue and be improved upon in terms of student placement and logistics. Geography department should have meteorological instruments enclosure which will offer practical courses for courses such as climatology, pedology etc

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Byer, H (1994) General Meteorology Mc Graw Hill: Press, New York
Cushing, S (1994) Fatal words: communication clashes and air craft crashes The university of Chicago press
Bluestein, H (1993) Synoptic Dynamic Meteorology in Multitudes vol.2 Observations and theory of weather
Harnark et.al (2003) Bulletin of the New Jersey academic of science Minnesola press Minneapolis.
Industrial Training Fund (ITF), (2006) Man Power Development and Training, vol. 2, ppl-5 Training and development press Ltd.
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) Zaria, (2006) Metar manual (Unpublished)
Mike, et.al (1998) the 6th biennial reviews of world climate. Commission for climatology of the world meteorological organization
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Zaria (2008) Aerodrome Manual On Operations Unpublished
World Meteorological Organization (2003) Manual on meteorological codes V.I, Doc no 306 Allen press
World Meteorological Organization (2001) Manual on aviation warnings Annex 3 Allen press

APPENDIX 1
5.1 LIST OF INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENT AT ZARIA STATION
S/No Name of instrument/equipment Quantity Status Location OUT DOOR EQUIPMENT
1 Steven screen 1 OK Enclosure
2 Maximum Thermometer 1 OK Enclosure
3 Minimum Thermometer 1 OK Enclosure
4 Dry Bulb Thermometer 1 OK Enclosure
5 Wet Bulb Thermometer 1 OK Enclosure
6 Soil Thermometer (5,10,20,30,50 & 100cm) 6 OK Enclosure
7 Piche Evaporimeter Nil N/A
8 Thermograph 1 OK Enclosure
9 Ordinary Rainguage 1 OK Enclosure
10 Automatic Rainguage 1 OK Enclosure
11 Campbell Stroke Sunshine Recorder 1 OK Enclosure
12 Cup Counter Anemometer 1 OK Enclosure
13 Wind Vane 1 OK Enclosure
14 Grass Minimum Nil N/A
15 Solarimeter 1 U/S Enclosure
16 Class A Pan 1 OK Enclosure INDOOR EQUIPMENT
17 Barometer 1 OK Met. Office
18 Barograph 1 OK Met. Office
19 Aeronautical Meteorological System (Aero Met) 1 OK Met. Office
20 Aero Met Serve 1 OK Met. Office
21 Automated Met System (E-Met) 1 OK Met. Office
22 SSB Radio 1 OK Met. Office
23 Internet Facility 1 OK Met. Office
24 Table phone 1 U/S Met. Office

APPENDIX II
ZARIA VISIBILITY MARKS
S/NO FROM MET. OFFICE TO DIRECTION DISTANCE
1 INSTRUMENT ENCLOSURE SE 50M
2 HIGH MAST (OLD ANEMOGRAPH) ENE 100M
3 RUNWAY 06 24 JUNCTION SSE 200M
4 THRESHOLD RUNWAY 24 E 300M
5 AVIATION FENCE; ZARIA/SOKOTO ROAD E 500M
6 V.I.O’S OFFICE ESE 1400M
7 KANO/KADUNA BYPASS (OVERHEAD) SE 3KM
8 RESERVED TANKS SE 5KM
9 KUFENA HILLS SW 6KM
10 NITEL POLE SE 7KM
11 TWIN HILLS S 8KM
12 MOUNTAIN IN ZARIA CITY SE 9KM

APPENDIX III Figure: A meteorologist in making taking reading from solarimeter and Stevenson screen respectively during the SIWES programme in NIMET, Zaria