The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and thunderstorms across the country from Friday to Sunday.
NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Thursday, anticipated slight dust haze over most northern areas, with moderate haze over parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna.
The agency predicted isolated thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Taraba on Friday afternoon or evening. For the North-Central region, sunny skies are forecast with patches of clouds during Friday.
Isolated thunderstorms with light rain are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, and Benue later in the afternoon or evening. Cloudy skies are envisaged across the southern region, with possible light rains over parts of Delta and Bayelsa on Friday morning.
NiMet predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti, 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 in the morning.
Later in the afternoon or evening, isolated thunderstorms with light rain are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara, and Benue.
The agency forecast cloudy skies over the southern region in the morning, followed by thunderstorms with 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, followed by thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra. 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. It urged residents to secure loose objects to prevent them from being blown away and 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.