The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast dust haze and thunderstorms across parts of the country from today and next tomorrow, warning residents to take precautions against strong winds and suspended dust particles.
In its weather outlook released in Abuja, the agency predicted slight dust haze over most northern states, with moderate haze expected in parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna.
NiMet also forecast isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Taraba State on Friday afternoon or evening.
For the North-Central region, the agency predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds, alongside isolated thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory and Benue State.
It said cloudy skies would prevail across the southern region, with possible light rains over parts of Delta and Bayelsa states on Saturday morning.
The agency also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states, as well as the South-East and South-South regions.
For Saturday, NiMet predicted sunny and hazy conditions across the northern region throughout the day.
The North-Central region is expected to experience sunny skies with patches of clouds in the morning, followed by isolated thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue states later in the day.
Across the southern region, cloudy skies are expected in the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over most areas.
On Sunday, the agency forecast slight dust haze over most northern states throughout the day.
It also predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds across the North-Central region, while parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra states could experience thunderstorms accompanied by light rains.
NiMet further forecast light rains over parts of the South-West and South-South regions later on Sunday.
Safety precautions
The agency advised residents, particularly people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, to take precautions against suspended dust particles.
It warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms and urged residents to secure loose objects to prevent them from being blown away.
NiMet also advised the public to avoid standing under tall trees during thunderstorms to reduce the risk of injuries from falling branches.
It further urged residents to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms.
“Airline operators are advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning of their operations,” the agency said.
It also urged residents to stay informed through regular weather updates on its official website.
