NiMet predicts dust haze with visibility, health warnings

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted a dust haze across various parts of Nigeria from Thursday to Saturday, cautioning residents about reduced visibility and health risks associated with suspended dust particles.

In its weather outlook released on Wednesday in Abuja, NiMet predicted slight dust haze conditions in the northern and North Central regions, while moderate dust haze and early morning fog or mist are expected in the southern parts of the country.

On Thursday, slight dust haze will dominate the region, offering good visibility throughout the day. By Friday and Saturday, moderate dust haze is expected, with visibility reduced to 2–5 kilometers.

Similar to the northern region, slight dust haze is anticipated on Thursday, with visibility likely to remain stable. On Friday and Saturday, the haze will intensify slightly, reducing visibility to 2–5 kilometers.

Moderate dust haze will prevail across southern Nigeria, with visibility ranging between 2 and 5 kilometers throughout the forecast period. Additionally, coastal areas are likely to experience early morning fog or mist, transitioning to slight dust haze and patchy clouds in the afternoon and evening hours.

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NiMet has advised residents, especially those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, to take necessary precautions against dust particles suspended in the air. “People with asthma and other respiratory health issues should minimize outdoor exposure and use protective measures when necessary,” the agency warned.

The agency also recommended that airline operators obtain localized weather reports to enhance flight safety and planning. “Airline operators are strongly advised to rely on airport-specific weather updates for efficient operations,” NiMet emphasized.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through regular weather updates from NiMet and adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. The agency reiterated its commitment to providing timely and accurate weather information to support public safety and planning.

As the dust haze persists, experts recommend that individuals use face masks, keep windows closed, and limit outdoor activities to reduce exposure to airborne dust particles.