Atmospheric Air Temperature Observation from the Landmark University Weather Station, Omu-Aran, Nigeria for Long Term Prediction

Air temperatures on the Earth are largely dependent upon how much energy is received from the Sun, and varies both with latitude on the Earth and the time of year. A convenient way to measure climate quantitatively, is by considering the average meteorological parameters. In this work, primary daily hourly data of the air temperature obtained from the Atmospheric Weather Station of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria (Geographic Lat. 8.14°N, long. 5.09°E) was employed to study its morphological pattern both quantitatively and qualitatively. The data spans July 2014 to December 2017. The temperature pattern was further compared annually with those of other parameters including solar radiation, relative humidity, soil temperature etc., measured from the same station. Results obtained revealed consistency in the air temperature pattern across months of study period revealing the stability of the parameter over Omu-Aran atmosphere. Across the months, peak values were obtained around 16 local time (L T) with the highest (33.3°C) in March, and the least (25.5°C) in August. The air temperature increases with increasing solar radiation leading to increased soil temperature and evapotranspiration; but reduction in relative humidity. Additionally, the soil water level is not completely dependent on the air temperature. The observations from this work will assist Meteorologists, Agricultural experts and local farmers, especially around the North Central geo-political zone of Nigeria, in long- term prediction of weather activities and forecast.