The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast dust haze and thunderstorms across the country from Friday to Sunday.
NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Thursday in Abuja, predicts slight dust haze over most northern areas, with moderate haze in parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna states.
The agency forecasts isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rain in parts of Taraba State on Friday afternoon or evening.
“For the North-Central region, sunny skies with patches of cloud are forecast on Friday.
“Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rain are expected in parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory and Benue states later in the afternoon or evening.
“Cloudy skies are expected across the southern region, with possible light rain in parts of Delta and Bayelsa states on Friday morning,” it said.
NiMet also forecasts thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain in parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states, as well as the South-East and South-South, later on Friday.
Sunny and hazy conditions are expected across the northern region throughout Saturday, according to the agency.
NiMet predicts sunny skies with patches of cloud over the North-Central region in the morning. Later in the afternoon or evening, isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rain are expected in parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue states.
The agency forecasts cloudy skies over the southern region in the morning, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rain across most areas later in the day.
For Sunday, NiMet predicts slight dust haze over most northern areas throughout the forecast period. It also forecasts sunny skies with patches of cloud over the North-Central region.
NiMet expects cloudy skies over the southern region in the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by light rain in parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra states. Light rain is also forecast in parts of the South-West and South-South later on Sunday.
The agency advised the public to take precautions against suspended dust particles, particularly people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
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 residents to avoid tall trees to reduce the risk of injury from falling branches or trees, and to unplug electrical appliances during thunderstorms.
“Airline operators are advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning of their operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates on NiMet’s website,” it said.
