- NiMet warns of reduced visibility in northern states due to dust haze originating from Chad and Niger’s source regions
- The agency advises precautions for individuals with respiratory ailments and urges airline operators to use NiMet weather reports
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned the public that visibility in some northern states may deteriorate due to observed dust haze propagated into the country from the source region.
According to an agency release, “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 borders 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,” it stated.
The statement said that due to strong winds, the suspended dust is expected to spread to some states in the country’s north, further reducing horizontal visibility.
The release also stated that there is a chance of DUST HAZE (moderate to poor horizontal visibility) over the northern parts of the country, particularly over Katsina, Kano, Nguru, Jigawa Potiskum, and Maiduguri, in the next 24 hours.
As a result, NiMet advised the public to take the necessary precautions due to dust particles currently suspended in the atmosphere. Individuals suffering from respiratory ailments are advised to take precautions because the current weather conditions are hazardous to their health.
NiMet also advised airline operators to use NiMet weather reports for effective planning in their operations.
“NiMet will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary,” it stated.