The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a public alert regarding the potential deterioration in visibility due to observed dust haze moving into the country from its source region.
According to a statement signed by the agency’s public relations general manager, Muntari Ibrahim, “winds over 10m and 925hPha are favourable for dust-haze propagations into the northern parts of the country.
“Stations in the source region, including Niger (Goure, Zinder, Maine-Soroa, Diffa, N-Guigmi, and 61091), have reported horizontal visibility ranging from 800 meters to 6000 meters.”
The statement further explained that, based on available models, sources from Chad are expected to report poor horizontal visibility in the next 24 hours. Due to strong winds, the suspended dust is anticipated to spread to several states in the northern part of Nigeria. This will lead to a reduction in horizontal visibility, particularly in areas such as Katsina, Kano, Nguru, Jigawa, Potiskum and Maiduguri within the next 24 hours.
In light of this situation, NiMet advised the general public to “take necessary precautions as dust particles are currently suspended in the atmosphere. Individuals with respiratory ailments are urged to protect themselves, as the current weather conditions may be detrimental to their health.
“Airline operators are also encouraged to make use of NiMet’s weather reports for effective planning in their operations”.
NiMet assured that it will continue to monitor the weather situation and “provide updates as necessary”.
