The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast dust haze and thunderstorms across different parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday, urging citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions.
In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet projected slight dust haze over Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, and parts of Kaduna States on Monday, while other areas in the North are expected to experience sunny conditions.
According to the agency, isolated thunderstorms are likely over parts of southern Taraba during the afternoon and evening, with sunny skies and patches of clouds prevailing across the central region.
NiMet added that isolated thunderstorms are expected later in the day over parts of Benue and Kogi States, while the southern region will generally experience cloudy conditions with possibilities of light morning rain.
The forecast further indicated late morning thunderstorms in parts of Ogun, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos States, with moderate rainfall expected across some southwestern and southeastern states by evening.
It also predicted isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains later on Monday over Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States.
For Tuesday, NiMet forecast a sunny and hazy atmosphere across the northern region, while isolated thunderstorms are anticipated in parts of southern Taraba during 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.
“In the southern region, cloudy conditions are anticipated in the morning across Ogun, Lagos, and Cross River States, while thunderstorms with moderate rainfall may develop later in the afternoon and evening.”
NiMet listed the affected areas to include Ogun, Edo, Enugu, Ondo, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States, where moderate rainfall is expected on Tuesday evening.
On Wednesday, the agency projected sunny skies over the northern region and sunny conditions with patches of clouds across the central areas throughout the day, with thunderstorms expected later in some locations.
It predicted isolated thunderstorms with light rain over Kwara, Benue, and Kogi States during the afternoon and evening, urging residents to remain cautious during periods of adverse weather.
“For the southern region, cloudy conditions are expected in the morning over Cross River, Rivers, and Delta States, with moderate thunderstorms likely later in the day across other coastal and inland areas.”
NiMet identified Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States as areas to experience thunderstorms on Wednesday afternoon or evening.
The agency advised motorists to drive carefully under rainy and hazy conditions, noting that suspended dust particles could affect visibility and air quality across northern states.
NiMet also urged individuals with asthma or respiratory challenges to limit outdoor exposure during dusty periods and to stay indoors when air quality deteriorates.
Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports and flight documentation from NiMet to ensure effective planning and prevent delays or disruptions caused by weather conditions.
The agency encouraged residents to stay updated through its official website, www.nimet.gov.ng, and verified social media platforms for daily weather information and safety guidance.
