NiMet predicts three-day dust haze in North

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued an alert on dust-hazy weather condition from Tuesday to Thursday.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja predicted dust haze, in moderate horizontal visibility of 2000m-5000m over Maiduguri, Yobe, Kastina, Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi and Jigawa States.

According to NiMet, sunny and hazy with visibility range of 5km-7km is expected in other Northern states including North-Central states as well.

This is contained in a statement signed by the General Manager Public Relations NiMet, Muntari Ibrahim.

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Ibrahim said this expected weather condition would persist for the next three days, adding that it was the observed gradual increase of the day-time temperature.

“The dry season is usually a period of no rainfall in the North and a period of little or no rainfall in the South. It is characterised by dust particles, harmattan cold, especially at night, high day-time temperature values, fog occurrences, hazy condition and associated health-related risks such as meningitis, respiratory illnesses and more.”

However, NiMet advises stakeholders and the general public to be wary of places where visibility is impaired by dust haze, adding that motorists should drive cautiously.

According to the agency, flight operations may be delayed as a result of poor visibility. It, therefore, advised airline operators to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

It further stressed that with warmer temperatures there are higher chances of clear air turbulence, adding that hot weather results in longer distance on the runway to generate enough lift for flight take-off.

Also, during this period, fuel consumption increases and requires adequate planning by operators, noting that there could be increased chances of bird strike due to influx of migratory birds which constitute hazards to flight operations.

“People with respiratory issues should apply necessary caution, especially for out-door activities.  Airline operators are also advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet offices for effective planning of their operations.

“Motorists are also advised to adhere to recommended tyre pressure by the manufacturers especially during the hot days to safeguard against tyre burst. With reduced visibilities, flight delays or cancellations, in compliance with safety regulations may not be unexpected,” the statement partly read.

He added, “The climate of Nigeria is characterised by two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season usually lasts between late February and Early November in the South with a little break between late July and mid-August, while it lasts between late May to early mid-October in the North. Beyond this period, between the end of rainy season and the beginning of the next rainy season, is the dry season, which is what is unfolding.”

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency assures the public that it will keep track of the changes in weather and provide updates when necessary.