The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians about a 3-day dust haze that will affect the country from Friday to Sunday.
In an official weather outlook released on Thursday, NiMet indicated that dust haze will be widespread, affecting most regions. According to the forecast, the northern states will experience moderate dust haze starting Friday. Visibility in these areas is expected to range from 2km to 5km, with some localised areas facing visibility below 1,000 meters. NiMet has urged residents of the northern regions to take necessary precautions due to the reduced visibility and the potential health risks from the haze.
The forecast predicts that the North-central states will experience slight dust haze, which will not significantly affect visibility. However, the southern regions will face moderate dust haze with similar visibility conditions of 2km to 5km throughout the period.
As the dust haze intensifies, particularly on Saturday, NiMet has warned of a thicker haze in the northern regions. Visibility in these areas is expected to remain between 2km and 5km, with some areas seeing a sharp decline in visibility to below 1,000 meters. Meanwhile, the southern states will continue to experience lighter dust haze.
The agency’s statement highlights that the haze could cause travel disruptions, especially for motorists and those relying on air transport. People with respiratory conditions have been advised to limit outdoor activities and ensure they are properly protected when going outside.
Speaking about the impact of the dust haze, NiMet’s Director General, Professor Mansur Matazu, explained that “dust haze is a seasonal phenomenon, but its effects can be severe. It is critical for all Nigerians, especially in the affected regions, to heed our warnings and take steps to protect their health.”
The weather conditions have raised concerns about the safety of citizens, particularly those in the northern regions where the intensity of the haze is expected to be strongest. Visibility is expected to fall sharply, making road and air travel risky. In a region where the air quality can already be challenging, this haze is likely to aggravate the situation.
Local authorities have been urged to prepare for the potential health impacts, with hospitals and emergency services put on alert for an increase in respiratory-related illnesses. People are also advised to wear protective face masks when stepping outside, and to keep windows closed to limit exposure to dust particles.
The current dust haze is linked to dry conditions in the Sahara Desert, which typically results in the occurrence of harmattan winds that blow fine dust particles across the country. This seasonal dust haze is more pronounced during the dry season, which stretches from November to March, but the haze expected this weekend will be particularly intense.
Climate experts have warned that the frequency and intensity of such dust events may increase due to global climate change. In an interview, Dr. Okoro Eze, an environmental scientist, noted, “Dust haze is a common occurrence in the harmattan season, but there is growing evidence that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of these events, especially in parts of West Africa.”
Nigerians are not strangers to dust haze, but the intensity of the coming days has raised concerns among health professionals and the general public. The thick dust can pose risks to individuals with pre-existing health conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues. The medical community has been actively advising people to stay indoors as much as possible during this period.
In addition to the health risks, the haze is expected to disrupt daily life. The reduced visibility could cause delays in air travel, while road safety may be compromised as drivers struggle to see far ahead. NiMet has urged all travellers to check their flights and road conditions before embarking on journeys.
For residents in the southern parts of the country, the haze will not be as severe as in the north, but it is still expected to cause some disruption. Local authorities in southern states have been advised to remain on alert, as dust haze can still impact visibility and public health, even at moderate levels.
The 3-day dust haze has captured the attention of the public, with many Nigerians taking to social media to share their concerns. “It’s already hard to breathe, now it’s going to be worse for the next few days,” one Twitter user said, expressing anxiety about the haze.
While the dust haze is a seasonal occurrence, it’s clear that this particular event is particularly severe. With warnings from NiMet and growing concern over its potential impact, Nigerians are being urged to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves.
As the weekend draws closer, citizens are advised to stay informed by monitoring weather updates from NiMet, and to adjust their plans to accommodate the challenging conditions. With proper care and vigilance, it is hoped that the public can stay safe throughout this dust haze event.
The dust haze is expected to clear after Sunday, but for now, Nigerians must brace themselves for these challenging weather conditions and take all necessary steps to safeguard their health.
