NiMet Forecasts Dust Haze and Thunderstorms Across Nigeria: What to Expect

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released a three-day weather outlook predicting a transition between dust haze and thunderstorms across Nigeria from Monday through Wednesday. According to the forecast released on Sunday from Abuja and reported by Daily Post Nigeria, varying regional weather conditions will impact visibility in the north while bringing scattered rainfall to central and southern parts of the country.

Northern Region: Dust Haze Dominates

NiMet forecast slight dust haze across most northern states at the start of the week, with moderate haze expected to reduce atmospheric clarity in parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, and Kaduna states on Monday. Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall were also projected for parts of Taraba State during Monday afternoon or evening.

By Tuesday, the agency anticipates sunny and hazy conditions persisting across the northern states throughout the day. This pattern is expected to continue into Wednesday, with slight dust haze lingering across most parts of the region over the forecast period.

Central and Southern Forecast: Thunderstorms and Rain

In the North-Central region, NiMet projected sunny skies interspersed with cloud cover during Monday morning. Later in the afternoon and evening, isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rain are expected to affect parts of Kogi, Kwara, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Similar conditions are forecast for Tuesday, with morning sunshine giving way to afternoon or evening thunderstorms across Kogi, Kwara, and Benue. On Wednesday, the North-Central zone is expected to see sunny skies with cloud patches.

Southern states face a wetter outlook. On Monday morning, cloudy skies with light rainfall are forecast for parts of Delta and Bayelsa states. Later in the day, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are anticipated over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti states, as well as broader sections of the South-East and South-South regions. Tuesday will bring morning cloudiness followed by widespread thunderstorms and moderate rain across most southern locations.

By Wednesday, the agency expects cloudy morning conditions in the south, followed by thunderstorms and light rain over Imo, Abia, and Anambra states, with additional light rainfall predicted across sections of the South-West and South-South.

Health and Safety Advisories

Alongside the meteorological projections, NiMet issued several public advisories:

• Respiratory precautions: Members of the public, particularly individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions, were urged to take precautions against suspended dust particles.
• Wind damage risks: Strong winds may precede the anticipated thunderstorms. Residents were advised to secure loose objects around homes and businesses to prevent them from being blown away.
• Tree hazards: The agency warned the public to avoid seeking shelter under tall trees during storms, citing the risk of falling branches and collapsing trees.

As conditions fluctuate across the country, NiMet recommends that residents stay informed of short-term local updates and heed safety warnings throughout the three-day period.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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