The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has issued a weather forecast that warns of potential dust haze and thunderstorms expected across the country from Monday through Wednesday.
According to NiMET’s Weather Outlook report released on Monday, the agency anticipates dust haze with visibility ranging from 1km to 3km, and localized visibility dropping to less than or equal to 1,000m over the northern region on Monday. Thunderstorms are also expected later in the day, particularly in parts of Taraba State.
In the North Central states, visibility values are projected to range between 2km to 5km due to suspended dust, with thunderstorms predicted in various regions, including the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, and Benue states in the afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms are expected in the morning hours in the southern states.
The report further elaborated, stating, “There are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba State later in the day. Thunderstorms are also expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, and Niger states in the morning, while visibility values are expected to be between 2km to 5km over the North Central states due to suspended dust.”
NiMet also anticipated moderate dust haze on Wednesday with visibility ranging from 2km to 5km over the North throughout the forecast period.
The report went on to predict cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine over the North Central region during the morning hours. In the afternoon and evening, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Benue, and Nasarawa states. The Southern region is expected to experience cloudy skies with sunshine intervals in the morning, with thunderstorms predicted later in the day over various states, including Enugu, Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Imo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Lagos, and Bayelsa.
NiMet cautioned that moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods and advised the public to take necessary precautions, avoiding driving and walking through floodwaters. Additionally, citizens were advised to be proactive in disaster risk management during the rainy season and take necessary safety measures, as strong winds could precede and accompany the thunderstorms.
All airline operators were also urged to stay informed with periodic weather reports and alerts from NiMet to effectively plan their operations.
