Satellite Data Application in Aviation Weather Forecast

Weather forecasting is the application of science and technology to predict the state of the atmosphere for a given location at a given time. This research work investigated the effect of wind and cloud over Nigeria's two seasons and how it affects flight operations. For the dry season, the data used was cloud imagery of three days (8th, 9th, 10th of December 2010), the atmosphere been dry and stable does not support cloud formation. All air crafts flying over Nigeria will enjoy clear skies. No significant cloud cover and good visibility will be experienced . For the wet season, both wind and cloud imagery were analyzed for three days (4th, 5th, and 6th, of August 2011). Wind at FL180 was entirely North-Easterlies wind throughout with light wind, which does not have any severe effect either flying head wind, tail wind or cross wind. Low clouds which are predominant during the wet season and associated with bad weather makes the pilots and flight operation personnel have it in mind on the possibilities of meeting low cloud en-route during the wet season.