NiMet forewarns airlines, others of impending dust haze 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet), has forewarned airline operators and members of the public of the potential adverse effects of approaching thick dust haze that can lead to deterioration of horizontal visibility within the next 24 hours.

In a statement signed by Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, General Manager, Public Relations, NiMet, the Agency disclosed that, “the Inter-Tropical Discontinuity, ITD  (currently at about 9.60N Lat) is expected to retreat slightly Southwards in the next 24hrs. 

“Winds over 10m and 925hPa (700m) are favourable for Dust-Haze propagations into the Northern parts of the country. 

“Stations in the source region (Sahara Desert) from Chad (Faya-Largeau, Bol-Berim, Mongo, Abeche and Ndjamena) and sources from Niger, that shares border with Northern Nigeria (Diffa, Maine-Soroa, Goure, Bila, Maradi, Zinder and Birni-n-Konni), have been reporting Dust-Haze in poor horizontal visibility between 300m and 5000m in the last 24hrs.” 

NiMet revealed further that due to strong winds, the dust in suspension is expected to propagate  to some states in the northern part of the country. 

This is expected to further worsen horizontal visibility over the Northern parts of the country, especially over Katsina, Kano, Nguru, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Potiskum and Maiduguri in the next 24 hours.

In view of the potential adverse effects of the dust haze, the agency has advised members of the public to take necessary precautions due to dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere.

“People with Asthma and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations.

“Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations

“NiMet will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary,” said NiMet.