NiMet, Earth Networks, U.S. Partner On Advancing Weather Observation

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Wednesday signed a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Earth Networks, U.S. to advance weather observation across the globe.

NiMet`s Director-General, Prof. Mansur Matazu said the purpose of the MOU was to enter into a mutual beneficial collaboration for Network and Data Services Agreement between the two organisations.

According to him, the realisation of the MOU is preceded by a formal request for collaboration from Earth Networks Inc. by its International Director, Mr Ari Davidou through a draft MoU to the Agency.

“Earth Networks (EN) developed a lightning detection and surface weather monitoring technology that detects a large portion of in-cloud (IC) and Cloud to Ground (CG) lightning.

“EN utilises data to enhance weather forecast and enable its proprietary products known as dangerous ‘Thunderstorm Alerts’ and pulse raid respectively.

”EN also produces and delivers high resolution proof forecasts known as ENcast and other derivative products.

“ NiMet desires to improve its 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,“ he said.

Matazu said the objective of the collaboration was to support the capacity of NiMet to further develop its service delivery through working together to deploy EN Stations in various locations.

He said that the move would contribute to the Nigeria Total Lightning and Mesoscale AWS Network (NTLMAN) and enable EN forecasting services (ENcast).

According to him, through the collaboration, NiMet will be able to access EN data for its internal use and public display in degraded form and to resell sensor data and derivative works to its customers.