NiMET predicts three-day dust haze, thunderstorms

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued a weather forecast indicating the likelihood of dust haze and thunderstorms from Monday to Wednesday across the nation.

In its Weather Outlook report obtained on Monday, the agency predicted dust haze with a visibility range of 1km to 3km and localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m was anticipated over the northern region on Monday.

Similarly, localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m is anticipated in some areas. Thunderstorms are also expected later in the day, particularly in parts of Taraba State.

In the North Central states, visibility values are expected to range between 2km to 5km due to suspended dust, with thunderstorms predicted in various regions, including the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, and Benue states in the afternoon and evening. In the southern states, thunderstorms are expected in the morning hours.

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The report said, “There are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba State later in the day. Thunderstorms are also expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Niger states in the morning while visibility values are expected to be between 2km to 5km over the North Central states due to the dust in suspension.

“Thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa and Benue states in the afternoon and evening and parts of Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Cross River, Rivers, Lagos, Delta and Akwa Ibom states during the morning hours.“

NiMet anticipated moderate dust haze on Wednesday with a visibility range of 2km to 5km over the North throughout the forecast period.

It predicted cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine over the North Central region during the morning hours.

“In the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Benue and Nasarawa states. Cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are anticipated over the Southern region in the morning hours.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Enugu, Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Imo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Lagos and Bayelsa states,“ it said.

The agency said moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods. The public was advised to take necessary caution, and avoid driving and walking through flood waters.

It advised citizens to take necessary safety precautions as strong winds were likely to precede and accompany the thunderstorms.

“Disaster Risk Managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during the rainy season.

“All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports and alerts periodically from NiMet for effective planning for their operations, “ it said.