Analyses of potential evapotranspiration of two major towns in Enugu State, Nigeria

Evapotranspiration (ET) may account for up to 70% of the annual precipitation even in humid region. Understanding ET is essential management water resource, crop requirement as well irrigation designs/scheduling etc. Therefore, this study tries analyze potential over Enugu State using meteorological data from weather stations and compared results obtained with that satellite remote sensed techniques. The 1999 2014 were collected Nigerian Meteorological agency (NIMET) two (Enugu town Nsukka). processed calculated CROPWAT software. Also, necessary downloaded global atmospheric reanalysis product by European Centre Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ERA-Interim) National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA). Daily monthly estimated Nsukka. both varies month seasons higher values dry season than rainy season. NIMET, NASA ERA-Interim have similar trend but varied magnitude. Statistically, ETNIMET was most accurate followed ETNASA.