The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather alert predicting widespread dust haze across the country from Friday to Sunday. According to NiMet’s forecast released on Thursday in Abuja, moderate dust haze is expected to blanket the northern region on Friday, with visibility levels ranging from 2km to 5km. The agency also cautioned that localized visibility could drop below 1,000 meters throughout the period, particularly in certain areas.
As the dust haze spreads, the North-Central states will experience a slight haze, while the southern regions will face moderate dust haze with similar visibility ranging from 2km to 5km. By Saturday, NiMet expects a thicker dust haze in the northern region, which could further reduce visibility, and localized visibility is anticipated to dip below 1,000 meters in some areas. In contrast, the southern region will see only slight dust haze throughout the day.
For Sunday, NiMet forecasts moderate dust haze across the northern and North-Central regions, while the southern states will continue to experience slight haze. With the dust particles suspended in the air, NiMet urged the public to take necessary precautions. Residents were advised to stay informed through regular weather updates and remain cautious of the potential impacts on health and transportation.
The agency also called on airline operators to consult airport-specific weather reports to ensure proper planning and smooth operations, as reduced visibility could affect flight schedules. This weather system serves as a reminder for Nigerians to stay vigilant and prepare for the challenges of the dust haze, which may linger across the country over the next few days.