The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its weather forecast, projecting haziness and sunshine across the country from Sunday to Tuesday. According to the agency’s outlook, the northern region is expected to experience moderate dust haze on Sunday, leading to horizontal visibility between 2km and 5km. Localized visibility may drop to 1,000 meters or less. In the North Central region, sunny skies will prevail in the morning, transitioning to thunderstorms with moderate rain in the afternoon and evening, particularly affecting the Federal Capital Territory and states such as Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa. In southern Nigeria, morning thunderstorms are anticipated over Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.
The forecast for Monday indicates that the dust haze will persist in the northern region, continuing with similar visibility conditions as the previous day. Morning hours in the North Central region are expected to remain sunny with patches of clouds. However, thunderstorms are predicted to emerge later in the day, particularly over the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue, and Kogi states. Morning thunderstorms with moderate rain are also anticipated in the southern states, including Lagos, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom. The pattern suggests increased storm activity as the day progresses.
On Tuesday, the forecast indicates a continuation of moderate dust haze in the northern region, maintaining visibility between 2km and 5km, while localized visibility may again be less than 1,000 meters. The North Central region is forecasted to continue seeing sunny skies around the same time. However, precipitation is expected as morning thunderstorms return to areas in Cross River and Akwa Ibom, with a likelihood of further thunderstorms and moderate rain later in the day across various regions.
The presence of dust particles in the air has raised health warnings, as NiMet has advised the public to take necessary precautions. Individuals, particularly those with asthma and other respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during this period due to potentially harmful air quality. The agency highlights that strong winds could also precede thunderstorms, underscoring the necessity for the public to be vigilant and prepared for sudden weather changes.
Furthermore, NiMet has issued advisories urging the public to adhere to safety recommendations from relevant authorities. Airline operators are specifically encouraged to secure airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to ensure effective flight planning and safety. These measures aim to mitigate any weather-related disruptions and protect public health as adverse weather conditions develop.
To keep the public informed, NiMet emphasizes the importance of staying updated with current weather forecasts by visiting its official website, www.nimet.gov.ng. The agency’s proactive communication strategy is critical for enhancing public awareness and preparedness against the backdrop of the changing weather patterns across Nigeria over the upcoming days.
