NiMet Warns: 3-Day Mix of Sunshine and Dust Haze Forecast Across Nigeria

InfoStride News reported that the recent weather outlook, as released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Thursday, predicts sunshine and dust haze across the country from Saturday to Monday.

NiMet’s forecast indicates that states in the North and North Central geo-political zones should expect moderate dust haze on Friday with horizontal visibility of 2Km to 5Km. Specifically, Yobe, Borno, Jigawa, and Kano States are anticipated to experience horizontal visibility localized to less than or equal to 1,000m during the forecast period. Inland states in the South are expected to have patches of clouds with sunshine, while coastal regions will experience a cloudy atmosphere in the morning. The forecast also suggests sunny skies with patches of clouds over inland states and the possibility of localized thunderstorms later in the day in Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Cross River, and Rivers States.

On Saturday, thick dust haze is expected over the northern states, persisting throughout the forecast period. The North Central region is predicted to experience moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2Km to 5Km.

Sunday’s forecast includes moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2Km to 5Km over the northern region, except for Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano, where the horizontal visibility is expected to be localized to less than or equal to 1000m. Inland cities of the South can expect sunny skies in a hazy atmosphere, while coastal areas will experience sunny skies with cloud patches in the morning. Later in the day, sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over inland states, while a cloudy atmosphere is expected over the coastal region.

NiMet has issued necessary precautions, advising individuals with asthma and other respiratory issues to be cautious due to suspended dust particles. Additionally, night-time cold temperatures are expected. The public is urged to avoid driving and walking through floodwaters as moderate to heavy rainfall may cause flash floods. NiMet recommends that citizens, disaster risk managers, and agencies take proactive steps against strong winds that may precede and accompany thunderstorms to prevent loss of lives and property.

The weather outlook emphasizes safety precautions, stating that moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods, and the public should exercise caution and avoid driving or walking through floodwaters. Strong winds are likely to precede and accompany thunderstorms, prompting citizens to take necessary safety precautions. Airline operators are advised to obtain updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.