The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has projected a three-day spell of dust haze across northern and central Nigeria, alongside cloudy skies and thunderstorms in parts of the South, from Monday through Wednesday.
In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, the agency warned of reduced visibility in several northern states and advised residents and travellers to take necessary precautions.
Northern Region
NiMet forecasts slight dust haze across much of the North on Monday, with moderate dust haze expected over Borno State and Yobe State. Horizontal visibility in affected areas is projected to range between 2km and 5km.
By Tuesday, moderate dust haze with similar visibility levels is expected to persist across the region. Conditions are forecast to intensify on Wednesday, when a thick dust haze is anticipated to blanket the northern states throughout the day.
North Central
The North Central zone is also expected to experience slight dust haze on Monday and Tuesday, progressing to thick dust haze by Wednesday.
“For the North Central region, thick dust haze is anticipated across the region throughout the forecast period,” the agency stated.
Southern Region
In the South, NiMet predicts a mix of cloudy skies and sunny intervals, with chances of thunderstorms in some areas.
A cloudy atmosphere with brief sunshine is expected on Monday, with slim chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State.
Later in the day, thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are forecast over parts of Ondo State, Ogun State, Lagos State, Edo State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State and Delta State, in addition to Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
Similar weather patterns are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, with morning thunderstorms likely in parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River, followed by light rainfall in Lagos, Oyo State, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom.
Advisory
NiMet urged residents, particularly those in the North, North Central and inland southern states affected by dust particles in suspension, to exercise caution. Individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma are advised to take preventive measures.
Motorists have also been cautioned to drive carefully during rainfall, while airline operators are advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to guide flight planning and operations.
The agency encouraged the public to stay updated through its official channels and website for real-time weather information.
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