Victoria Mbangwa
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather forecast warning for hazy and cloudy conditions across Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday, advising the public to take precautions as visibility could be significantly reduced.
NiMet’s outlook indicates that the northern and north-central regions will be particularly affected by dust haze, with visibility ranging from 1km to 5km, and localized areas possibly experiencing even lower visibility of less than 1,000 meters. This condition is expected to persist throughout the forecast period, potentially disrupting daily activities and transportation.
In the southern parts of the country, NiMet forecasts a hazy atmosphere with scattered cloud cover, which could make for hazy mornings in many areas. Early morning fog or mist is expected to affect the coastal regions, clearing to reveal sunny skies later in the day.
On Tuesday, the weather pattern will remain largely unchanged in the north and central regions, with continued dust haze limiting visibility. However, the southern region may experience some morning mist or fog patches, particularly along the coast, before giving way to clearer skies as the day progresses.
By Wednesday, NiMet predicts a slight improvement in visibility in the northern areas, although dust haze is still expected in the central region. The southern states will continue to see early morning mist and fog, with hazy conditions likely to persist in the inland areas.
In addition to reduced visibility, NiMet forecasts a slim chance of thunderstorms over parts of Cross River, Bayelsa, Lagos, and Akwa Ibom later in the day on Wednesday. The agency has cautioned those with respiratory conditions such as asthma to be especially careful, as dust particles suspended in the air could worsen health symptoms.
Airline operators are also advised to consult NiMet’s flight-specific weather reports to ensure safe and effective flight planning.
With hazy conditions expected to linger, NiMet urges the public to take extra care when traveling and to stay updated on weather developments.
