The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued a NiMet dust haze forecast projecting three days of dust haze and cloudy conditions nationwide from Monday to Wednesday.
In its latest weather outlook released in Abuja, the agency highlighted varying intensities of dust haze across the northern and North Central regions, alongside cloudiness and thunderstorms in parts of southern Nigeria.
Monday Forecast
NiMet anticipates slight dust haze across the northern region throughout Monday. However, Borno and Yobe states are expected to experience moderate dust haze, with horizontal visibility ranging between two and five kilometres.
The North Central region is also predicted to witness slight dust haze during the forecast period.
In southern Nigeria, cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are expected. There are slim chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. Later in the day, thunderstorms accompanied by light rains may occur in Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom.
Tuesday Outlook
On Tuesday, the NiMet dust haze forecast indicates moderate dust haze across the northern region, with visibility ranging from two to five kilometres.
The North Central region will likely continue to experience slight dust haze, while the southern states are expected to maintain cloudy conditions with sunny intervals.
Morning thunderstorms are possible in parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River. Later in the day, thunderstorms with light rainfall may develop over Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom.
Wednesday Projection
By Wednesday, NiMet predicts thick dust haze over both the northern and North Central regions throughout the day.
Southern states are expected to retain cloudy skies with sunshine intervals. Morning thunderstorms may occur in parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom, followed by light rains in Bayelsa, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom later in the day.
Public Advisory
NiMet urged residents to take necessary precautions, noting that dust particles remain suspended across the northern region, North Central and some inland southern states.
The agency advised individuals with respiratory conditions, particularly asthma patients, to exercise caution due to reduced air quality.
Motorists were also warned to drive carefully during rainfall, while airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to support effective flight planning and safety management.
The latest NiMet dust haze forecast reflects ongoing seasonal atmospheric conditions affecting parts of Nigeria, particularly the northern belt, where dust haze remains more prevalent during this period.
