The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast dust haze and thunderstorms across different parts of the country from Friday to Sunday.
In its weather outlook released in Abuja on Thursday, the agency predicted slight dust haze over most parts of the North, with moderate haze expected in parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna States.
For Friday, NiMet forecast isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall over parts of Taraba State in the afternoon or evening.
“For the North-Central region, sunny skies are forecast with patches of clouds during Friday. Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory and Benue States later in the afternoon or evening.
“Cloudy skies are envisaged across the southern region, with possible light rains over parts of Delta and Bayelsa States on Friday morning,” it said.
The agency also predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States, as well as the South-East and South-South regions, later on Friday.
On Saturday, sunny and hazy conditions are expected across the North throughout the day.
NiMet forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North-Central region in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue States later in the afternoon or evening.
For the South, the agency predicted cloudy skies in the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall across most areas later in the day.
On Sunday, slight dust haze is expected over most parts of the North throughout the forecast period.
The agency also forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds across the North-Central region.
In the South, NiMet predicted cloudy skies in the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra States. It also forecast light rainfall over parts of the South-West and South-South regions later in the day.
The agency advised residents to take precautions against suspended dust particles, particularly people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
It warned that strong winds could occur before 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 storms to reduce the risk of injuries from falling branches or broken trees.
Residents were further advised 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.
“Residents are to stay informed through weather updates on NiMet’s website,” it said.