The Effects of Rainfall and Relative Humidity on Solar Radiation Intensity during Dry Season in Port Harcourt Metropolis-Quantitative Approach

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the effects of independent weather variables of rainfall and relative humidity on the dependent weather variable of solar radiation intensity in Port Harcourt. This can be accomplished using appropriate instrumentation to measure the magnitudes of solar radiation intensity, rainfall, and relative humidity, and then using a Multistrand data analysis approach to determine their relationship and evaluate the integral influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable. This  research  is  carried  out  in  Rivers  State  University,  which  is  located  in  Port  Harcourt  city  local government Area. Port Harcourt city is a coastal part of Nigeria which is located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Solar  radiations  are  electromagnetic  radiations  that  range  from  0.25  to  4.5µm  in  wavelength.  These radiations include the visible light, ultraviolet and near infrared (IR) radiation as shown in Fig.3 of the electromagnetic spectrum. The energy quantum from the solar radiations is called the photon. Data were collected in three months of dry season on daily basis at 5 minutes interval using appropriate instrumentations in Rivers State University NECOP Weather Station and analyzed with respect to their daily and weekly averages. It was observed that changes in amount of rainfall (mm) and relative humidity (%) negatively influence the magnitude of solar radiation intensity (W/m²) during the dry season that is from November through January. Nevertheless, the effect of rainfall (mm) on the solar radiation intensity (W/m²) was more obvious compared to the relative humidity (%) and this might be caused by the dryness of air during the dry season. It was also observed that there was no significant difference in solar radiation intensity (W/m²) for the different weeks in course of the effect of relative humidity in particular during the dry season. The findings of the study should be stored in the data banks of the aviation, agricultural, manufacturing, and meteorological industries, as well as government environmental ministries and agencies, for effective planning and execution of policies for long-term growth.