The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a three-day weather forecast, predicting hazy and cloudy conditions across the country from Monday to Wednesday, December 9 to 11, 2024.
According to NiMet, the northern and North-Central regions of Nigeria are expected to experience dust haze, which could significantly reduce visibility. For the next few days, the visibility range in these areas will be between 1km and 5km, with some localized spots experiencing visibility of less than 1,000 meters.
“From Monday to Wednesday, residents of the northern and North-Central regions should be prepared for hazy weather,” said NiMet in its weather outlook released on Sunday. “Visibility will be poor, and there may be patches of cloud cover throughout the forecast period.”
The southern region will also see its share of haziness. The weather agency forecasted that there would be patches of clouds across the region, with the hazy atmosphere lingering throughout the period.
On Tuesday, the weather pattern is expected to continue across the northern and North-Central parts of the country. NiMet stated that visibility would be reduced to 1km to 5km, with localized regions experiencing even worse conditions.
In the south, the early mornings will bring mist and fog patches over the coastal areas. However, the weather is expected to clear by midday, with sunny skies accompanied by patches of clouds throughout the day.
For Wednesday, the weather will remain hazy in the northern regions. NiMet’s forecast predicts good visibility in the northern areas, but the North-Central will experience dust haze again, which may reduce visibility to between 1km and 5km.
The southern region will face similar conditions as earlier in the week, with morning mist or fog over the coast and a hazy atmosphere over the inland states. NiMet also forecasted slim chances of thunderstorms later in the day over parts of Cross River, Bayelsa, Lagos, and Akwa Ibom states.
“The weather will be tough for people with respiratory issues,” said NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Mansur Matazu, during a media briefing. “We advise people with asthma and other respiratory conditions to be extra cautious and stay indoors when the haze becomes too thick.”
NiMet has also issued safety guidelines, urging the public to take the necessary precautions. “We advise residents in affected areas to stay informed about weather updates,” the agency’s statement read. “Those with health conditions related to the lungs or respiratory system should stay alert.”
The agency further stressed the importance of following all advisories issued by relevant authorities. “Residents should be cautious, especially when traveling, as low visibility may affect road and air transport,” it added.
In light of the weather, NiMet also issued a warning to airline operators. “We advise airlines to seek airport-specific weather reports and flight documentation from NiMet to plan their operations more effectively,” said the agency.
As for the general public, NiMet encourages everyone to stay informed through their website and other official communication channels. “Visit www.nimet.gov.ng for the latest updates on the weather conditions,” it concluded.
This weather forecast comes on the back of previous reports of dust haze and local weather disturbances that have affected Nigeria’s northern and southern regions this year. While the agency’s warning has drawn attention to the ongoing haze, it is hoped that citizens will heed the advice to prevent health complications and accidents during the forecast period.
With hazy conditions set to persist for three days, NiMet’s detailed outlook serves as a crucial reminder for everyone to take preventive measures, ensuring their safety and well-being amid this weather disturbance.
