NiMet forecasts dust haze, thunderstorms across Nigeria from Friday to Sunday
- NiMet says northern states will see slight dust haze, with moderate haze in Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna.
- Thunderstorms and rain are expected in the North-Central, South-West, South-East and South-South over the three days.
- Asthma patients and other respiratory sufferers are advised to take precautions against suspended dust.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast dust haze and thunderstorms across the country from Friday to Sunday, warning Nigerians to prepare for changing weather over the weekend.
In its weather outlook released on Thursday in Abuja, NiMet said most northern areas will see slight dust haze, while moderate haze is expected over parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna States.
For Friday, isolated thunderstorms with light rains are expected over parts of Taraba State in the afternoon or evening. The North-Central region should be sunny with patches of clouds, before isolated thunderstorms and light rains hit parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory and Benue later in the day.
Cloudy skies are expected across the South on Friday morning, with possible light rains over parts of Delta and Bayelsa. Later, thunderstorms with moderate rains are forecast over Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States, as well as the South-East and South-South.
What to expect on Saturday and Sunday
Saturday should be sunny and hazy across the North. The North-Central will start sunny with patches of clouds, then isolated thunderstorms and light rains are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue in the afternoon or evening. The South will be cloudy in the morning, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rains across most areas later.
On Sunday, slight dust haze is expected over most northern areas throughout the day, while the North-Central stays sunny with patches of clouds. The South will be cloudy in the morning, with thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra, and light rains over parts of the South-West and South-South later.
NiMet advised people with asthma and other respiratory conditions to take precautions against suspended dust particles. It warned that strong winds can come before thunderstorms and urged residents to secure loose objects so they are not blown away.
The agency also asked people to avoid standing under tall trees, to reduce the risk of injury from falling branches, and to unplug electrical appliances during thunderstorms.
Airline operators were advised to get airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to plan their operations, and residents were urged to follow updates on the agency's website.
What happens next
Nigerians travelling or working outdoors this weekend should check local conditions before setting out, especially in states expecting thunderstorms. Those with respiratory conditions in the hazy north should limit exposure to dust where possible.
