NiMet Forecasts Three-Day Dust Haze, Thunderstorms Across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted widespread dust haze and cloudy conditions across the country from Monday to Wednesday, urging residents and airline operators to take necessary precautions.

Naija News reports that the agency, in its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, warned that suspended dust particles would dominate much of the northern and North Central regions, while parts of the South may experience thunderstorms and light rainfall.

According to NiMet, a slight dust haze will prevail across the northern region on Monday, February 23.

However, states such as Borno and Yobe are expected to experience moderate dust haze, with horizontal visibility ranging between two and five kilometres during the forecast period.

“For the North Central region, a slight dust haze is expected across the region throughout the forecast period,” the agency stated.

By Tuesday, moderate dust haze with similar visibility conditions of two to five kilometres is anticipated to persist across the northern region.

The situation is expected to intensify on Wednesday, with NiMet forecasting thick dust haze over both the northern and North Central regions throughout the day.

“For the northern region, a thick dust haze is anticipated across the region throughout the forecast period on Wednesday,” the agency added.

Thunderstorms, Light Rains For Southern States

In contrast, southern states are expected to experience cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine.

NiMet said there are slim chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom on Monday.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with light rains are anticipated over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom,” it noted.

On Tuesday, the agency projected chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, with light rains expected later in Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom.

Similarly, on Wednesday, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is forecast across the southern region, alongside possible morning thunderstorms in Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

“It predicted thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Bayelsa, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom later in the day,” the statement added.

NiMet urged members of the public to take necessary precautions as dust particles remain suspended over the northern region, North Central region and inland states of the South.

According to the agency, individuals with asthmatic conditions and other respiratory issues should be cautious during the period.

“Driving under rain should be with caution. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it advised.