Travel Advisory: NiMet notifies airlines of impending visibility downturn across northern Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet), has alerted airlines and intending travellers of an impending visibility downturn in some northern States.

In a travel advisory signed by the General Manager, Public Relations, NiMet, Muntari Yusuf, the agency noted the possibility of deterioration in visibility in some northern states as a result of observed dust haze propagated into the country from the source region. 

 “Stations in the source region from  Chad (Faya-Largeau, Bol-Berim, Mongo, Abeche and Ndjamena) have been reporting horizontal visibility between 800m and 4000m. 

“Other sources from Niger that share a border with northern Nigeria (Diffa, Maine-Soroa, Goure, Bila, Maradi, zinder and Birni-n- Konni) have been reporting dust haze in poor visibility between 1000m and 3000 m since the last 24 hours”.

The agency 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, which will further reduce horizontal visibility.

Hence, NiMet has advised airline operators to avail themselves of on-time weather reports from the agency for effective planning in their operations.

The agency further disclosed that some of the states to be affected in the next 24 hours include Katsina, Kano, Nguru, Jigawa Potiskum and Maiduguri.

NiMet has also advised members of the public to take necessary safety 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.

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