Investigation of Climate Fluctuations Through Analysis of Meteorological Data and Forecasting in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The research on studying and predicting climatic phenomena in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, has evolved based on the vast knowledge ‎and information collected. This has greatly improved the understanding and prediction of weather changes in the region. In addition to traditional climate change indicators like temperature, wind, humidity, clouds, and rainfall, this study also explores the variability of global radiation. The primary objective of this research was to assess climate variability using meteorological parameters and forecasting in Port Har-‎court, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study utilized data from the Meteonorm Version 8 database archives to analyze radiation, temperature, and ‎precipitation trends. The Standard interpolation method (Shepard’s gravity interpolation model) was employed to obtain the data. Stochastic ‎models and the Perez tilt radiation model were used to examine climate data from 1972–1991, 1965–1989, and 2020 and 2050. ‎Results indicate a yearly Temperature average of 26.3°C between 1972 and 1991 and a projected value of 27.6°C in 2050. Furthermore, the ‎analysis shows a decreasing trend in precipitation in Port Harcourt, with the maximum value expected to decrease to 323mm in 2050 from ‎‎400mm observed between 1972–1991. The projected global radiation levels are expected to reach 1722kWh/m2 by 2050, up from ‎‎1476kWh/m2 recorded between 1965 and 1989. It is strongly advised to consider data from various locations in Port Harcourt and ‎Nigeria, as well as the local climatic characteristics, for future study. The study is useful for selecting suitable sites for green energy projects ‎like solar power stations and wind farms‎.