The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning of mixed weather conditions, including thunderstorms, sunshine, and light dust haze, affecting various parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday. The agency also cautioned citizens about the rising risk of heat stress due to elevated temperatures, urging the public to take necessary precautions to protect their health.
In a comprehensive three-day weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet detailed the expected weather patterns for the northern, central, and southern regions, advising all Nigerians to stay informed and prepared for potentially hazardous conditions.
The northern region will begin the week with slight dust haze on Monday, accompanied by the possibility of afternoon and evening thunderstorms in parts of Adamawa, Taraba, and Kaduna states. From Tuesday to Wednesday, sunny and hazy skies are expected to continue, with isolated thunderstorms affecting regions such as Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Sokoto, and Kebbi.
NiMet highlighted that the northern atmosphere will remain dry and hot, with the persistent heat exacerbating the risk of heat stress. However, isolated storms may offer temporary relief in some locations.
“The atmosphere will remain dry and hot across much of the North, but isolated storms could bring brief relief in some areas,” NiMet stated.
North-Central Region: A Blend of Sunshine and Thunderstorms
For the North-Central region, NiMet predicts mostly sunny skies with patches of clouds, interspersed with isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours. This weather pattern will persist throughout the forecast period, affecting Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, and Benue states.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, similar weather conditions are expected, with sunny spells giving way to afternoon or evening thunderstorms, especially in the FCT and neighboring areas.
Southern Nigeria: Thunderstorms, Hazy Skies, and Intermittent Sunshine
In the South, residents should prepare for a mix of cloudy skies, intervals of sunshine, and frequent thunderstorms across the three days. On Monday morning, isolated thunderstorms are expected in Cross River and Akwa Ibom, with more widespread thunderstorms anticipated across the region later in the day.
By Tuesday, morning thunderstorms will likely affect Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Cross River states, with afternoon or evening storms expected across most southern states. On Wednesday, areas like Delta, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom will experience morning thunderstorms, followed by more storms in the afternoon across the South.
Heat Stress Alert: Take Precautions Against the Sweltering Temperatures
NiMet has issued a strong warning about the risk of heat stress, urging Nigerians to take preventive measures as high temperatures continue to soar. Citizens are advised to stay in cool, well-ventilated spaces, drink plenty of water, and avoid direct exposure to the sun, particularly between noon and 3 p.m., when the sun’s intensity is at its peak.
“The public is urged to stay in well-ventilated spaces, drink plenty of water, and avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours,” NiMet cautioned.
Health and Safety Precautions Amid Dust and Storms
Given the dusty conditions and thunderstorms, NiMet has also recommended additional health and safety measures. Nigerians should maintain high standards of hygiene, wash their hands regularly, avoid crowded spaces, and wear face masks to reduce the risk of respiratory infections, which can be aggravated by the dust and stormy weather.
Airline Operations: Potential Disruptions Expected
In light of the forecasted strong winds and storms, NiMet has warned airline operators to prepare for possible disruptions. Strong winds may precede thunderstorms in affected areas, and airlines are encouraged to consult airport-specific weather reports provided by NiMet to better plan their operations and ensure passenger safety.
“Strong winds may precede thunderstorms in affected areas, and airline operators are advised to consult NiMet’s weather reports for more accurate and up-to-date information,” the agency stated.
With the blend of thunderstorms, hazy skies, and heat stress risks, NiMet urges all Nigerians to stay vigilant, heed weather updates, and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health and safety during the coming days.
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