Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted moderate dust haze, cloudiness, and localized thunderstorms across the country from Monday, January 27, to Wednesday, January 29. The agency released its weather outlook in Abuja on Sunday, cautioning airline operators and the public to adhere to weather advisories for safety.
NiMet predicts moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility ranging between 2km and 5km over northern cities, including Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Yobe, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states. Localized visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m is also anticipated in these areas throughout the forecast period.
For the North-Central region, moderate dust haze is expected with similar visibility conditions, especially in parts of Niger State.
Hazy skies with patches of clouds are forecasted for inland cities and the coastal belt in the southern parts of the country during morning hours. Thunderstorms are expected later in the day over parts of Ondo, Edo, Ogun, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Cross River states.
By Tuesday, the northern and north-central regions will continue to experience moderate dust haze, while inland states such as Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Ebonyi, and Enugu are also expected to experience moderate dust haze. Other southern inland areas are projected to have hazy skies with cloud patches.
NiMet has warned that strong winds may precede thunderstorms in areas where rain is anticipated. The agency urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for proper flight planning.
For the public, NiMet highlighted the health risks associated with dust particles in suspension, especially for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma. The agency advised caution during this period and encouraged compliance with safety measures issued by relevant authorities.
“People with asthmatic health conditions and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather conditions,” NiMet emphasized.
The agency’s advisory also included a call for safety in areas prone to thunderstorms, stressing the importance of preparedness for potential strong winds and heavy rainfall.
NiMet reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely and accurate weather forecasts to aid planning and reduce risks associated with weather conditions.
