The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast dust haze and thunderstorms across different parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday, warning residents to take precautions against adverse weather conditions.
In its weather outlook released in Abuja on Sunday, the agency predicted slight dust haze across most parts of the North, with moderate haze expected in parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna states. Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall are also expected over parts of Taraba State on Monday afternoon or evening.
For the North-Central region, NiMet forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds on Monday morning, followed by isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall over parts of Kogi, Kwara, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory later in the day. In the South, cloudy skies and light rainfall are expected over parts of Delta and Bayelsa states in the morning, while thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are likely over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states, as well as the South-East and South-South regions, in the afternoon or evening.
On Tuesday, the agency envisaged sunny and hazy conditions across the northern region throughout the day. The North-Central region is expected to experience sunny skies with patches of clouds in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall forecast over parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue states later in the afternoon or evening. Southern states are expected to experience cloudy skies in the morning, followed by thunderstorms with moderate rainfall across most areas.
For Wednesday, NiMet predicted slight dust haze across most parts of the North throughout the forecast period, while sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected over the North-Central region. In the South, cloudy conditions are forecast for the morning, with thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall expected over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra states. Light rainfall is also likely over parts of the South-West and South-South regions later in the day.
The agency advised members of the public to take precautions against suspended dust particles, particularly people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Residents were urged to limit exposure to dusty environments and take appropriate protective measures to minimise potential health risks.
NiMet also warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms, advising residents to secure loose objects that could be blown away. It further cautioned the public against taking shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms to avoid injuries from falling branches or uprooted trees.
