In an alert issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the public is cautioned about an imminent thick dust haze that may significantly reduce horizontal visibility in various cities across the northern region of Nigeria.
The agency conveyed this warning through a press release, indicating that source regions like Niger and Chad have already reported poor horizontal visibility ranging from 1000m to 5000m. The dust, suspended due to strong winds at the 925hPa transport level, is expected to propagate to several northern stations, further worsening horizontal visibility.
The statement projected the southward movement of the dust, leading to a decline in horizontal visibility. NiMet anticipates the likelihood of thick dust haze, with poor horizontal visibility below 1000m, particularly affecting cities such as Katsina, Kano, Nguru, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Potiskum, Kaduna, Zaria and Maiduguri within the next 24 hours.
Given the expected increase in atmospheric dust, NiMet advises vulnerable individuals, especially those with respiratory conditions, to take necessary precautions. The agency recommends that elderly individuals and children should wear protective clothing during cold nights.
The harmattan dust-haze has the potential to cause dryness of the skin, chapped lips, eye irritation and respiratory problems. Therefore, NiMet urged the public to exercise necessary precautions to mitigate these effects.
For airline operators, NiMet emphasised the importance of obtaining updated weather reports for effective planning, as dust-haze conditions could reduce horizontal visibility to levels below minimal standards during this period. Stay informed and take necessary measures to navigate the challenging weather conditions in the affected regions.
