NiMet warns of thick dust haze with adverse health, visibility effects

Following observed thick dust plumes from the source region of Niger and Chad, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMet has alerted the public on a possible deterioration of horizontal visibility in some states in the northern part of the country.

According to a press release signed by the General Manager, Public Relations, NiMet, Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, the agency expects that “in the next 24 hours, there are prospects of THICK DUST HAZE (In poor horizontal visibility, less than1000m) over Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna states; while other parts of the North and North Central states are expected to report Moderate Dust-Haze (visibility of 2–5km).”

The statement added that this weather condition is expected to persist for the next 48hours.

As a result, NiMet advise members of the public to take necessary precautions due to dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere.

Individuals with respiratory ailments are advised to protect themselves as the current weather condition is not good for their health.

Night-time cold temperatures should be expected so warm clothes are advised for the little children.

Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

The Central Forecast Office (CFO) in NiMet will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.