Evaluation of Weather Monitoring Station Data Quality and Network Coverage in the North Central Geopolitical Zone

Reliable meteorological data from well-maintained monitoring networks are essential for weather forecasting, agricultural planning, water resources management, and climate research in Nigeria. This study evaluates the data quality and spatial coverage of automatic weather monitoring stations operated by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency in the North Central geopolitical zone encompassing Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau States and the FCT. A systematic audit of 22 operational stations was conducted through field visits, instrument calibration checks, and statistical analysis of archived data records. Data quality dimensions assessed include completeness of hourly records, inter-station consistency, sensor calibration adherence, communication link reliability, and maintenance frequency. Statistical tests including homogeneity testing by the Standard Normal Homogeneity Test and outlier detection by the interquartile range method were applied to temperature, rainfall, and wind speed datasets over a five-year record period. Results indicate mean data completeness rates of 71 percent across the network, with gaps concentrated in stations lacking solar panel power backup. Homogeneity breaks were detected in three stations coinciding with documented sensor replacements that were not accompanied by parallel observation periods. Spatial interpolation analysis using kriging reveals coverage gaps in the southern Plateau State highlands and the Lokoja flood plain. Professional recommendations address station density requirements, calibration protocols, and power supply improvements necessary to meet World Meteorological Organization minimum network standards for the zone. Keywords: weather monitoring, data quality, North Central Nigeria, meteorological network, automatic weather station