The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has alerted the public on the possibility of deterioration in horizontal visibility as a result of thick dust haze propagated into the country from the source region in Niger.
The Central Forecast Office (CFO) of the agency indicates this through a release that “favourable conditions for dust-haze propagations into the nation will worsen horizontal visibility.
“Stations in Niger (Maine-Soroa, Goure, Maradi, N-guigmi, Diffa and 61091) and Chad (N’djamena) 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.
“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,” the statement read.
It further disclosed that satellite images obtained indicate that, in the next 24 hours, there are prospects of thick dust hazes (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). This weather condition is expected to persist for the next 72 hours.
The maximum day-time temperature over the country is expected to fall as a result of plume of dust.
NiMet advised members of the public to take necessary precautions against the dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere.
“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 children.
“Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” the release said.
NiMet assured that it would monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary and wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and prosperous new year.
