The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET has published a weather forecast suggesting the possibility of dust haze and thunderstorms across the country from Monday to Wednesday.
The agency projected dust haze with a visibility range of 1km to 3km with localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m over the northern region on Monday in its Weather Outlook report, which was received on Monday.
Similarly, in certain regions, localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m is expected. Later in the day, thunderstorms are also forecast, particularly in portions of Taraba state.
In the North Central states, visibility values are expected to range between 2km to 5km due to suspended dust, with thunderstorms predicted in various regions, including the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, and Benue states during the afternoon and evening. In the southern states, thunderstorms are expected during the morning hours.
The report noted, “There are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba state later in the day. Thunderstorms are also expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Niger states in the morning while visibility values are expected to be between 2km to 5 km over the North Central states due to the dust in suspension.
“Thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa and Benue states in the afternoon and evening and parts of Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Cross River, Rivers, Lagos, Delta and Akwa Ibom states during the morning hours.“
NiMet anticipated moderate dust haze on Wednesday with a visibility range of 2km to 5km over the North throughout the forecast period.
It predicted cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine over the North Central region during the morning hours.
“In the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Benue and Nasarawa states. Cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are anticipated over the Southern region in the morning hours.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Enugu, Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Imo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Lagos and Bayelsa states,“ it said.
The agency added that moderate to heavy rainfall can lead to flash floods. The public was advised to take necessary caution, and avoid driving and walking through flood.
It advised citizens to take necessary safety precautions as strong winds were likely to precede and accompany the thunderstorms.
“Disaster Risk Managers, Agencies and individuals should be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during the rainy season.
“All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports and alerts periodically from NiMet for effective planning for their operations”, it said.