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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Nigeria is expected to experience hazardous weather conditions over the next three days, as a dust haze threatens air quality across the North and thunderstorms increase the risk of flooding and transport disruptions in the South, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned.
In its three-day weather outlook for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, issued by its Central Forecast Office on Wednesday, the agency stated that a thick dust haze would affect several northern states, reducing air quality and visibility, with possible implications for public health and road safety.
The agency listed Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Adamawa, Yobe, Kano and Katsina among the worst-hit states on Thursday, February 19, while moderate dust haze is expected across other parts of the region.
NiMet added that horizontal visibility across the Northern and North Central regions may drop to between two and five kilometres, and in some locations fall to one kilometre or less — conditions that could disrupt aviation operations and increase the risk of road accidents.
The agency also warned that people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions may face heightened health risks due to dust particles suspended in the atmosphere, urging vulnerable groups to limit exposure and take necessary precautions.
In the southern region, NiMet forecasts cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine in the mornings, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rainfall, particularly in the afternoons and evenings.
States expected to experience storms include Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Abia.
According to the agency, the rainfall may lead to localised flooding, poor road conditions and delays in commercial and air travel, especially in low-lying and coastal areas.
NiMet advised state governments, emergency agencies and transport operators to remain on alert, noting that the combination of dust haze in the North and heavy rainfall in the South poses a dual risk to public safety and economic activities.
Airline operators were specifically urged to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for effective flight planning, while motorists were cautioned to drive carefully under reduced visibility and during rainfall.
The agency further encouraged residents to stay informed through regular weather updates, stressing that early awareness and preparedness remain critical to minimising the impact of the hazardous conditions.
