The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of the possibility of deterioration in horizontal visibility as a result of thick dust haze.
A release from the Central Forecast Office (CFO) of the Agency indicates that favourable conditions for dust-haze propagations into the country may worsen horizontal visibility.
General Manager/Public Relations NiMet Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim in a press release explained that stations in Niger Republic (Maine-Soroa, Goure, Maradi , N-guigmi, Diffa and 61091) and Chad (Ndjamena) have both persistently reported dust haze with poor horizontal visibility.
“In the next few hours, strong winds at 800m will spread more dust into the country,” it said.
He said dust haze with poor horizontal visibility adding strong winds at 800m is expected to transport the dust to the country, particularly the North and North-central regions, in the next few hours.
He said satellite images obtained indicated that In the next 24 hours, there are prospects of thick dust haze (In poor horizontal visibility, less than1000m) over Katsina, Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Borno and Adamawa; while other Northern and North central states are expected to report MODERATE DUST-HAZE (visibility of 2–5km).
According to him, this weather condition is expected to persist for the next 72 hours adding that the Day-Time Temperature (Max) over the country is expected to fall as a result of plume of dust.
“In view of this, members of the public are advised to take necessary precautions due to dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere.
“Also, Individuals with respiratory ailments are advised to protect themselves as the current weather condition is not good for their health.
“Night-time cold temperatures should be expected so warm clothes are advised for little children,” he said.
He also advised airline operators to avail themselves of weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
He assured that the agency would continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary and wish all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and prosperous new year.
