NiMet Warns of Dust Haze, Thunderstorms Across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a mix of dust haze and thunderstorms across several parts of the country between Monday and Wednesday, urging citizens to take safety precautions and stay updated on weather advisories.

In its three-day weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, the agency predicted that dusty and hazy conditions would dominate the northern states, while thunderstorms and rainfall are expected across the central and southern regions.

According to NiMet, slight dust haze is expected on Monday over Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, and parts of Kaduna, while other parts of the North will experience sunny and dry conditions.

The agency also projected isolated thunderstorms in parts of southern Taraba during the afternoon and evening hours.

“Sunny skies with patches of clouds will dominate the central region, with chances of isolated thunderstorms later in parts of Benue and Kogi States,” NiMet said.

It added that the southern region would experience cloudy skies with chances of light morning rain, particularly across the coastal states.

The forecast further indicated that by late Monday morning, thunderstorms would develop over Ogun, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos States, with moderate rainfall expected in parts of the Southwest and Southeast later in the evening.

NiMet listed the affected areas as Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States, where residents should brace for isolated thunderstorms and moderate rainfall.

For Tuesday, the agency forecast a sunny and hazy atmosphere over most northern states, while isolated thunderstorms are expected over southern Taraba in the afternoon and evening.

“Sunny skies with patches of clouds are also expected over the central states, with chances of isolated thunderstorms later in the day in parts of Kogi, Benue, and Kwara States,” the report noted.

Cloudy morning conditions are anticipated across Ogun, Lagos, and Cross River, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later in the day.

The agency again highlighted Ogun, Edo, Enugu, Ondo, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States as areas where moderate rain may occur by Tuesday evening.

On Wednesday, NiMet forecast sunny skies across the North and partly cloudy conditions over the central states.
It said thunderstorms with light rain could develop later in the day in Kwara, Benue, and Kogi States.

For the southern region, cloudy mornings are expected over Cross River, Rivers, and Delta, with moderate thunderstorms anticipated later in the afternoon or evening across Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

NiMet advised motorists to drive cautiously during rainfall and hazy conditions, warning that dust particles may reduce visibility and air quality across northern states.

“Persons with asthma or respiratory conditions should take precautions against dust exposure and remain indoors during periods of heavy haze or poor air quality,” the statement read.

The agency also advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports and flight documentation from NiMet to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.

NiMet encouraged citizens to stay updated through its official website and verified social media platforms for real-time weather information and safety guidance.

“We urge the public to remain informed and take necessary precautions during adverse weather conditions to safeguard lives and property,” the agency said.