NiMet Forecasts Three-Day Dust Haze, Cloudiness Nationwide

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a three-day spell of dust haze and cloudiness across the country, warning residents to take precautionary measures as reduced visibility and possible thunderstorms are expected in several regions.

In its weather outlook covering Monday to Wednesday, the agency predicted slight to moderate dust haze over the northern states, with horizontal visibility ranging between two and five kilometres. NiMet added that thicker dust haze is likely to persist in parts of the North toward midweek. For the North-Central region, the agency projected slight dust haze throughout the forecast period, with generally hazy conditions expected in cities including Abuja, Minna, and Ilorin. In the southern region, NiMet anticipated cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine. Morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, while isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall may occur later in the day over Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states. NiMet advised members of the public, particularly those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, to exercise caution due to suspended dust particles in the atmosphere. The agency also urged motorists to drive carefully as reduced visibility could pose road safety risks. Airline operators were equally advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for effective flight planning during the period of dust haze.