The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast dust haze and thunderstorms across the country from Friday to Sunday.
NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Thursday in Abuja, predicted slight dust haze over most parts of the North, with moderate haze over parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna States.
The agency forecast isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rain over parts of Taraba State on Friday afternoon or evening.
‘For the North-Central region, sunny skies are forecast with patches of clouds during Friday.
‘Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory and Benue States later in the afternoon or evening.
‘Cloudy skies are envisaged across the southern region, with possible light rains over parts of Delta and Bayelsa States on Friday morning,’ it said.
NiMet predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States, as well as the South-East and South-South, later on Friday.
According to the agency, sunny and hazy conditions are expected across the North throughout Saturday.
It also forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North-Central region during the morning hours.
Later in the afternoon or evening, isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rain are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue States.
NiMet forecast cloudy skies over the South during the morning hours, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall across most areas later in the day.
For Sunday, the agency predicted slight dust haze over most parts of the North throughout the forecast period.
It also forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North-Central region throughout the day.
NiMet predicted cloudy skies over the South during the morning hours, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by light rain over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra States.
It further forecast light rain over parts of the South-West and South-South later on Sunday.
The agency advised the public to take precautions against suspended dust particles, particularly people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
It warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms and urged residents to secure loose objects to prevent them from being blown away.
NiMet also advised residents to avoid standing under tall trees to reduce the risk of injuries from falling branches or broken trees.
It urged members of the public to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms.
‘Airline operators are advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning of their operations.
‘Residents are to stay informed through weather updates on NiMet’s website,’ it said.