The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released a weather forecast predicting sunshine and haziness across Nigeria from Thursday to Saturday, accompanied by specific warnings for public safety and health considerations.
According to the agency’s weather outlook issued Wednesday in Abuja, Thursday will see varying weather conditions across different regions.
“In the North Central region, moderate dust haze with localised visibility of 2 km to 5km is anticipated during the forecast period,” the agency stated.
For the northern region, particularly Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba States, NiMet predicted sunny and hazy conditions, with moderate dust haze and localized horizontal visibility ranging from 2 km to 5km across other northern areas.
Southern regions can expect distinct weather patterns, as NiMet detailed: “Sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the coast in the morning hours.” The forecast added, “Later in the afternoon/evening hours, localised thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over Ogun, Lagos, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.”
Friday’s Forecast
Moving into Friday, the northern region will experience “moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 1 km to 3 km and localised horizontal visibility of less than or equal to 1000m,” according to NiMet. The North Central region should prepare for “moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2 km to 5 km during the forecast period.”
Southern states will see varied conditions, with NiMet predicting “localised thunderstorms with moderate rains” affecting parts of Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ogun, Southern Ondo, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States during afternoon and evening hours.
Saturday’s Outlook
For Saturday, NiMet forecasts moderate dust haze in the northern region “with horizontal visibility of 2 km to 5 km and localised horizontal visibility of less than or equal to 1,000 m.” The North-Central region should expect similar conditions, while the southern region will experience “a sunny and hazy atmosphere over the inland with patches of cloud over the coast.”
The agency issued several warnings and recommendations.
“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution and adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities,” NiMet cautioned.
For health considerations, the agency specifically warned people with asthmatic conditions and other respiratory issues to exercise caution during this weather period.
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For the aviation sector, NiMet emphasized the importance of proper planning: “Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.”
The agency encouraged public vigilance and regular updates through their official channels, stating: “Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng.”
