NiMet predicts three-day thunderstorms, dust haze

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted dust haze and thunderstorms across the country from Friday to Sunday.

NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Thursday in Abuja, anticipated slight dust haze over most northern areas, with moderate haze over parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna States.

The agency predicted isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Taraba State on Friday afternoon or evening.

“For the North-Central region, sunny skies are forecast with patches of clouds during Friday. Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory and Benue States later in the afternoon or evening.

“Cloudy skies are envisaged across the southern region, with possible light rains over parts of Delta and Bayelsa States on Friday morning,” it said.

It predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States, as well as the South-East and South-South, later on Friday.

According to the agency, sunny and hazy conditions are expected across the northern region throughout Saturday.

NiMet predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North-Central region during the morning hours.

Later in the afternoon or evening, isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue States.

The agency forecast cloudy skies over the southern region during the morning hours, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains across most areas later in the day.

For Sunday, NiMet predicted slight dust haze over most northern areas throughout the forecast period.

The agency also forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North-Central region throughout Sunday.

NiMet predicted cloudy skies over the southern region during the morning hours, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra States.

It also forecast light rains over parts of the South-West and South-South regions later on Sunday.

NiMet advised the public to take precautions against suspended dust particles, particularly people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

The agency warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms and urged residents to secure loose objects to prevent them from being blown away.

NiMet advised residents to avoid tall trees to reduce the risk of injuries from falling branches and broken trees.

The agency urged the public to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms.

“Airline operators are advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning of their operations.

“Residents are to stay informed through weather updates on NiMet’s website,” it said.

NAN