The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Tuesday issued an alert on dust-hazy weather condition from Tuesday to Thursday in the North.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the General Manager Public Relations NiMet, Muntari Ibrahim, in Abuja.
According to the statement there will be dust haze in moderate horizontal visibility of 2000m-5000m over Maiduguri, Yobe, Kastina, Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi and Jigawa States.
Sunny and hazy with visibility range of 5km-7km is expected in other Northern states including North-Central states as well.
Ibrahim said this expected weather condition will persist for the next three days.
He said; “The dry season is usually a period of no rainfall in the North and a period of little or no rainfall in the South. It is characterised by dust particles, harmattan cold, especially at night, high day-time temperature values, fog occurrences, hazy condition and associated health-related risks such as meningitis, respiratory illnesses and more.”
However, NiMet advises stakeholders and the general public to be wary of places where visibility is impaired by dust haze, stressing that motorists should drive cautiously.
“People with respiratory issues should apply necessary caution, especially for out-door activities. Airline operators are also advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet offices for effective planning of their operations.''
“Motorists are also advised to adhere to recommended tyre pressure by the manufacturers especially during the hot days to safeguard against tyre burst. With reduced visibilities, flight delays or cancellations, in compliance with safety regulations may not be unexpected.”
“The climate of Nigeria is characterised by two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season usually lasts between late February and Early November in the South with a little break between late July and mid-August, while it lasts between late May to early mid-October in the North. Beyond this period, between the end of rainy season and the beginning of the next rainy season, is the dry season, which is what is unfolding.”
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency assured that it will keep the public informed of relevant changes in the weather.