NiMet forecasts dust haze, thunderstorms across Nigeria over weekend

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a combination of dust haze, thunderstorms and rainfall across different parts of the country from Friday to Sunday.

In its three-day weather outlook released in Abuja on Thursday, the agency predicted slight dust haze over most parts of the North, with moderate haze expected in parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna States.

NiMet also forecast isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall over parts of Taraba State on Friday afternoon or evening.

For the North-Central region, the agency anticipated sunny skies with patches of clouds, while isolated thunderstorms and light rain could occur over parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Benue State later in the day.

In the South, cloudy conditions are expected, with possible light rainfall over parts of Delta and Bayelsa States during the morning hours.

The agency further predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States, as well as other areas in the South-East and South-South regions, later on Friday.

For Saturday, NiMet forecast sunny and hazy weather across the North throughout the day.

The North-Central region is expected to experience sunny conditions with patches of clouds in the morning, while isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rain may develop over parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue States in the afternoon or evening.

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Across the southern states, cloudy skies are expected during the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over most areas later in the day.

The agency predicted slight dust haze over most parts of the North on Sunday, while the North-Central region is expected to experience sunny skies with patches of clouds throughout the day.

In the South, cloudy conditions are expected in the morning, with thunderstorms and light rainfall likely over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra States.

NiMet also forecast light rainfall over parts of the South-West and South-South regions later on Sunday.

Against the backdrop of the expected weather conditions, the agency advised Nigerians, particularly people living with asthma and other respiratory ailments, to take precautions against suspended dust particles.

It warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms, urging residents to secure loose objects that could be displaced by the wind.

The agency also cautioned the public against taking shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms, noting the risk of injuries from falling branches or uprooted trees.

Residents were further advised to disconnect electrical appliances from power outlets during thunderstorms to prevent damage and possible electrical hazards.

NiMet urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports and flight documentation from the agency to support effective flight planning and operational safety.

It also encouraged members of the public to monitor weather developments through regular updates published on its official website.