Breathe With Caution: NiMET Warns of 3-Day Dust Haze, Sunshine

Abuja: If you have asthma, stay indoors. If you are driving, slow down. And if you live in the South, brace for thunder. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a three-day weather alert, warning of dangerous dust haze blanketing the North and Centre, while violent thunderstorms bear down on southern states — and it all begins Monday.

This warning was issued in the agency’s weather outlook released in Abuja on Sunday.

NiMet said moderate dust haze was expected over parts of Kebbi and Kano States in the northern region on Monday, with horizontal visibility ranging from 2 to 5 kilometres.

Other northern states will experience sunny and hazy skies.

For the central region, NiMet forecasts moderate dust haze over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State. The remaining states in the zone will remain sunny and hazy throughout the period.

In the southern region, NiMet predicted sunny skies with occasional cloud patches, with afternoon and evening thunderstorms and light rain over Bayelsa, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

“On Tuesday, a slight dust haze is expected over parts of Kano and Kebbi States, while other northern states will continue under sunny and hazy skies.

“The central region will experience sunny and hazy conditions, with isolated thundery activity in parts of Plateau State during the afternoon and evening hours.

Southern states will see sunny skies with scattered clouds. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected in Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

On Wednesday, both northern and central regions are expected to remain sunny and hazy.

Southern areas will have sunny skies and occasional cloud patches. There is a possibility of afternoon or evening thunderstorms, with light rain in Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

NiMet warned that dust particles remained suspended in the air. It urged the public, especially those with asthma or respiratory conditions, to take precautions.

The agency also advised drivers to exercise caution during rainfall. Airline operators should obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning.

NiMet encouraged residents to stay updated through the agency’s website at www.nimet.gov.ng.