January 27, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has predicted dust haze and cloudiness across the country from Monday, January 27, to Wednesday, January 29.
In its weather outlook report, released on Sunday in Abuja, the agency said moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km is expected over the northern cities from Monday.
According to the report, localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m is anticipated over parts of Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Yobe, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, throughout the forecast period. Moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km is also expected over the North Central region, with localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m anticipated over parts of Niger.
In the southern regions, hazy skies with patches of clouds are expected over the inland cities and coastal belt during the morning hours. This is with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Ondo, Edo, Ogun, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Cross River States later in the day.
On Tuesday, NiMet predicts moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km over the northern and north-central regions. Moderate dust haze is also expected over parts of Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Ebonyi, and Enugu State.
The remaining parts of the inland states of the South are, however, expected to be hazy with patches of clouds.
“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precaution and adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities”, NiMet warned.
The agency advised airline operators “to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.”
NiMet also urged the public to take necessary precautions, as dust particles are in suspension.
“People with asthmatic health conditions and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather conditions”, it said.