Nigeria is set to experience deteriorating weather conditions over a three-day period as dust haze and isolated thunderstorms spread across multiple regions, according to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

In its latest weather outlook released in Abuja, NiMet warned that dusty atmospheric conditions will dominate much of the country from Sunday through Tuesday, raising concerns over air quality, public health, road safety, and aviation operations.

The agency said the situation is expected to be most severe in the northern and central regions, where suspended dust particles will significantly reduce visibility and intensify respiratory risks.

Dust Haze to Intensify in the North and Central States

NiMet forecast moderate dust haze across northern states on Monday and Tuesday, with conditions expected to worsen by midweek. By Wednesday, thick dust haze is projected to blanket much of the region, potentially disrupting daily activities and transport movement.

The central region is also expected to experience persistent dusty conditions throughout the forecast period. NiMet noted that dust haze levels in the region will range from moderate to thick, limiting visibility and reducing air quality in major cities.

Southern Inland Cities Affected, Coastal Areas Face Storm Risk

In the southern region, inland cities are expected to record moderate dust haze, while coastal areas will experience relatively clearer conditions marked by sunshine and cloud patches.

However, NiMet cautioned that coastal states may witness unsettled weather later in the day, with isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall expected in parts of Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states.

The agency said the combination of dust haze and intermittent rainfall could further reduce visibility in affected areas.

Health, Transport, and Aviation Concerns

NiMet explained that high concentrations of airborne dust particles pose serious health risks, particularly for people with asthma, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular issues.

Children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions were advised to limit outdoor exposure and take preventive measures such as wearing face coverings and staying hydrated.

Motorists were warned of poor visibility on highways, especially during early morning and late evening hours. Drivers were urged to reduce speed and exercise caution, particularly if rainfall coincides with dusty conditions.

For aviation operations, NiMet advised airline operators to rely on detailed, airport-specific weather briefings to avoid delays, diversions, or safety risks linked to low visibility.

Advisory Remains in Effect

NiMet said it will continue to monitor atmospheric conditions and issue updates as necessary, urging Nigerians to stay informed and adhere to safety advisories during the forecast period.

The post NiMet Warns of Worsening Dust Haze, Isolated Storms Across Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Speaking at a sensitisation forum in Abuja, NiMet’s Director-General, Professor Charles Anosike, urged Nigerians to brace for the adverse effects of climate variability driven by climate change. He emphasized that the agency’s forecasts show an increased risk of weather-related disasters in the coming days.

“The potential impacts include the destruction of property, forced migration of communities, and even fatalities,” Anosike stated. “While accurate forecasting is critical, our ability to effectively communicate this information to the public is equally essential.”

Anosike highlighted the media’s critical role in relaying scientific information to the public, noting that their reports shape disaster response, agricultural planning, and aviation safety. He also reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to aligning its operations with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by investing in staff training and improving public service delivery.

In a related development, NiMet’s Director of Weather Forecasting Services, Professor Vincent Weli, disclosed that the agency has partnered with telecom provider MTN to deliver weather updates directly to mobile phone users.

“Through this partnership, Nigerians will soon begin receiving real-time weather alerts on their phones in accessible local languages,” Weli said, adding that the project is 70 percent complete and will be expanded to other networks.

The agency called for public vigilance and greater media collaboration to ensure that citizens are informed, prepared, and resilient against looming weather threats.

The post NiMet Warns of Deadly Extreme Weather, Urges Public Preparedness as Lives and Buildings are at Risk appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This was highlighted in WMO’s latest report, “State of the Climate in Africa 2023,” released during the 12th Climate Change for Development in Africa (CCDA) Conference.

The report, co-authored by the WMO, African Union Commission, UN Economic Commission for Africa, and the African Ministerial Conference for Meteorology, estimates that climate adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa will require $30 to $50 billion annually, equating to about 2-3% of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the next decade.

The WMO emphasized the need for systematic investment in climate information systems and early warning components. It also urged African countries to explore innovative financing mechanisms, prioritize adaptation, and embrace initiatives to build resilience against climate change. Enhancing National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) is essential, the report added, to strengthen data collection and improve forecasting capabilities for early warnings of extreme weather events.

READ ALSO: Climate Action Africa Warns of Flooding Risk in Lagos, Calls for Climate Finance

Climate-related hazards such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves are exacerbating food insecurity, water scarcity, and displacing populations. The report revealed that African countries lose 2-5% of their GDP annually due to extreme weather, with some diverting up to 9% of their budgets to respond to these unplanned events.

The report also noted that 2023 was one of the warmest years on record for Africa, with the mean near-surface air temperature 0.61°C above the 1991-2020 average and 1.28°C above the 1961-1990 baseline. African sub-regions, particularly North Africa, are experiencing significant temperature increases, further worsening the continent’s vulnerability to climate change.

READ ALSO: SGF Akume: Climate Change Hindering President Tinubu’s Agenda to Lift Nigerians Out of Poverty

WMO Secretary General, Prof. Celeste Saulo, observed that 2023 brought heatwaves, heavy rains, floods, and droughts, severely affecting communities across Africa. These extreme weather events have not only taken a human toll but also caused significant economic losses, underlining the urgent need for climate resilience investments to safeguard Africa’s future.

The post Rising Temperatures and Extreme Weather Demand Increased Climate Investments in Africa appeared first on Housing TV Africa.