- Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasts three-day dust haze and cloudy conditions nationwide
- The Northern states are expected to experience a slight to thick dust haze from Monday to Wednesday while the Southern states will see cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine
- The agency advised of caution for people with respiratory conditions and motorists driving in rainy conditions
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has projected a mix of dust haze and cloudy conditions across the country from Monday, February 23, through Wednesday, February 25.
In its weather outlook released on Sunday, February 22, in Abuja, the agency said northern Nigeria will experience a slight dust haze on Monday, February 23, throughout the forecast period.
However, parts of Borno and Yobe states are expected to witness moderate dust haze, with horizontal visibility ranging between 2km and 5km.
“For the North Central region, a slight dust haze is expected across the region throughout the forecast period.
“For the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated across the region, with slim chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with light rains are anticipated over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom,” it said.
On Tuesday, February 24, NiMet forecast moderate dust haze across the northern region, again with visibility between 2km and 5km. The North Central zone is expected to experience a slight dust haze throughout the period.
In the southern states, cloudy skies with sunny intervals are predicted, alongside possible morning thunderstorms in parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
Later in the day, thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall are expected over Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, February 25, the agency warned of intensified conditions in the northern and North Central regions.
“For the northern region, a thick dust haze is anticipated across the region throughout the forecast period on Wednesday.
“For the North Central region, thick dust haze is anticipated across the region throughout the forecast period.
“For the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine across the southern region is predicted with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States
“It predicted thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Bayelsa, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom later in the day,” it said.
NiMet advised residents to take precautionary measures, noting that dust particles will remain suspended across the northern and North Central regions, as well as inland areas of the South.
According to the agency, individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions should be especially mindful of the prevailing weather.
“Driving under rain should be with caution. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.”