Dusty Haze, Thunderstorms: What Nigerians Should Expect This Weekend
Nigerians in different parts of the country should expect a combination of dusty haze, thunderstorms and rainfall this weekend, according to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
In its three-day weather outlook released on Thursday, October 29, the agency predicted varying weather conditions across the northern, North-Central and southern regions from Friday, October 30, to Sunday, November 1.
While northern states are expected to experience dusty conditions, several southern states could witness thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall.
Here is what residents should expect across the country.
States to expect dusty haze
NiMet predicted slight dust haze over most parts of northern Nigeria throughout the forecast period.
However, moderate dust haze is expected over parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna states.
The agency also forecast sunny and hazy conditions across the northern region on Saturday, while similar conditions are expected to continue in most areas on Sunday.
Dust haze occurs when suspended dust particles reduce visibility in the atmosphere. It can also affect air quality, particularly for people with respiratory conditions.
States to experience thunderstorms and rainfall
Several states across the country are expected to experience thunderstorms at different periods this weekend.
On Friday, NiMet predicted isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall over parts of Taraba State during the afternoon or evening.
In the North-Central region, parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Benue are also expected to experience thunderstorms and light rainfall later in the day.
Across the South, cloudy skies are expected during the morning, with possible light rainfall over parts of Delta and Bayelsa.
However, parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states, alongside the South-East and South-South regions, are expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall later on Friday.
What to expect on Saturday and Sunday
For Saturday, October 31, NiMet predicted sunny and hazy conditions across the northern region throughout the day.
The North-Central region is expected to experience sunny skies with patches of clouds in the morning. However, parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue could experience isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall during the afternoon or evening.
In the South, cloudy skies are expected in the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall across most areas later in the day.
On Sunday, November 1, slight dust haze is expected across most northern areas.
The North-Central region is expected to experience sunny skies with patches of clouds, while the South could witness cloudy conditions during the morning.
NiMet also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra states. Light rainfall is also expected over parts of the South-West and South-South regions later in the day.
NiMet issues safety advice to Nigerians
The weather agency advised Nigerians to take precautions against suspended dust particles, particularly people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
It also warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms and urged residents to secure loose objects that could be blown away.
Additionally, NiMet advised Nigerians to avoid standing under tall trees during thunderstorms because of the risk of falling branches and broken trees.
Residents were also advised to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms to reduce the risk of electrical damage.
The agency urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports to support flight planning and encouraged members of the public to follow its weather updates for further information.