NiMet Predicts 3-Day Dust Haze, Thunderstorms Starting Friday 

By Adeke Chukwuka

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted dust haze and thunderstorms across the country from Friday to Sunday.

The NiMet’s Weather Outlook for Friday in Abuja predicts dust haze in the northern region, with visibility ranging from 2km to 5km. There are slim chances of localized thunderstorms in parts of Taraba state during the morning.

Later in the day, dust haze with the same visibility range is expected over the region, with prospects of thunderstorms in Taraba, Adamawa, and Kaduna states.

In the North Central region, cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are expected in the morning, and localized thunderstorms are possible in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi states. In the afternoon and evening, thunderstorms are anticipated in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Benue states.

Thunderstorms are forecasted in the morning over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states.

Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are expected in parts of Edo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Lagos states. On Saturday, the northern region will experience dust haze in the morning with visibility ranging from 2km to 5km. 

Later in the day, the same region will have dust haze with prospects of thunderstorms in parts of Taraba and Adamawa states. In the North Central region, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated in the morning, with chances of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger, and Benue states. Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kogi, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, and Kwara states.

NiMet predicted a cloudy atmosphere over inland areas of the South and coastal states, with potential thunderstorms in parts of several states during the morning. Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated in additional states.

On Sunday morning, the Northern region is expected to experience dust haze with visibility ranging from 2km to 5km and localized visibility of less than or equal to 1000m.

Dust haze with a visibility range of 2km to 5km is expected over the northern region later in the day. In the North Central region, cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated in the morning, with chances of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, and Benue states. In the afternoon and evening, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa states. 

Over the southern region, cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are expected in the morning, with prospects of thunderstorms in parts of Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River states.

NiMet forecasts thunderstorms later in the day over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Abia, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Lagos states. The agency warns of potential flash floods due to moderate to heavy rainfall and advises the public to avoid floodwaters.

Strong winds may precede thunderstorms, urging citizens to take safety precautions. Disaster managers and individuals are advised to be proactive. Airline operators should regularly check NiMet’s weather reports for effective operational planning.