NiMet forecast indicates a mix of dust haze, sunny skies and isolated thunderstorms across Nigeria, urging caution for motorists and vulnerable residents.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released a detailed weather outlook indicating that Nigerians should brace for a combination of dust haze, bright sunshine and isolated thunderstorms across different parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday.
The agency said the changing atmospheric conditions will vary by region, with implications for visibility, health and daily activities.
According to the NiMet forecast issued in Abuja on Sunday, parts of northern Nigeria will experience hazy conditions at the start of the week due to the presence of suspended dust particles in the atmosphere.
Specifically, areas within Kebbi and Kano States are expected to record moderate dust haze on Monday, reducing horizontal visibility to between two and five kilometres.
This condition, NiMet explained, could pose challenges for road users and aviation operations if not properly managed.
Beyond Kebbi and Kano, most other states in the northern region are projected to experience predominantly sunny skies accompanied by light haze.
While rainfall is unlikely in these areas during the forecast period, the agency noted that dry and dusty air could increase discomfort, particularly during the afternoon hours when temperatures are usually higher.
In the North-Central region, the NiMet forecast shows a similar pattern.
Moderate dust haze is expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State, with visibility also dropping to between two and five kilometres.
However, states outside these areas are likely to enjoy sunny but hazy weather conditions throughout the day.
NiMet stressed that residents should remain alert, as haze can reduce air quality and aggravate respiratory ailments.
Attention then shifts to the southern part of the country, where weather conditions are expected to be more dynamic.
While sunny skies with pockets of cloud cover will dominate the mornings, NiMet warned that isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall may develop later in the day. States likely to be affected include Bayelsa, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
These storms, although expected to be brief, could disrupt outdoor activities and evening commutes.
As the week progresses into Tuesday, NiMet anticipates only slight changes in atmospheric conditions.
Slight dust haze is forecast to persist over parts of Kano and Kebbi States, while the rest of the northern region remains sunny and hazy.
In the central states, sunny skies are expected to continue, though Plateau State may experience isolated thundery activities later in the day.
The agency noted that these storms could be localized but intense in short bursts.
Southern Nigeria is again expected to witness a mix of sunshine and thunderstorms on Tuesday.
According to the NiMet forecast, states such as Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom may experience intermittent rainfall, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours.
NiMet advised residents in flood-prone areas to remain cautious, even though widespread flooding is not anticipated.
By Wednesday, weather conditions are projected to stabilize slightly in the northern and central regions, with sunny and hazy skies prevailing across most areas.
In contrast, the southern region will continue to experience variable weather, combining sunshine, scattered clouds and the likelihood of thunderstorms in states including Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
NiMet emphasized that the combined effects of dust haze and rainfall could impact both health and transportation.
Suspended dust particles may worsen symptoms for people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions, while rainfall could further reduce visibility on major highways.
The agency urged such individuals to limit exposure where possible and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
Motorists, especially those traveling early in the morning or late at night, were advised to drive cautiously and ensure their vehicles’ headlights and windscreen wipers are in good condition.
Pilots and airline operators were also encouraged to consult updated aviation weather briefings before flight operations.
In reaffirming its commitment to public safety, NiMet encouraged Nigerians to stay informed by monitoring official weather updates.
The agency noted that timely access to accurate forecasts can help individuals and institutions plan better and reduce weather-related risks.
According to NiMet, continuous observation of atmospheric trends remains critical as seasonal transitions often bring unpredictable weather patterns.
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