Three-Day Dust Haze To Reduce Visibility In North, NiMet Warns

Suspended dust particles and advancing cloud systems are expected to shape weather conditions nationwide from Monday through Wednesday, as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasts widespread haze in the northern belt and thunderstorms across parts of the South.

NiMet, in its official weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, projected slight dust haze across the entire northern region on Monday, with moderate dust haze affecting states such as Borno and Yobe. The agency stated that horizontal visibility in the affected areas could drop to between two and five kilometres during the forecast period.

“For the North Central region, a slight dust haze is expected across the region throughout the forecast period,” the agency stated. In the southern region, NiMet predicted “a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine,” alongside “slim chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom.” Later in the day, thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall are anticipated over Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom states.

Weather conditions are expected to intensify on Tuesday, with NiMet forecasting moderate dust haze across the northern region, again with horizontal visibility ranging from two to five kilometres. The North Central states are also projected to experience slight dust haze throughout the day.

In the South, the agency maintained that cloud cover would persist with intervals of sunshine. Morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, while thunderstorms with light rainfall later in the day are forecast for Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom.

By Wednesday, NiMet anticipates thicker dust haze conditions across both the northern and North Central regions, indicating a further deterioration in atmospheric clarity. Southern states are forecast to maintain a cloudy atmosphere with intermittent sunshine, with morning thunderstorms likely over Cross River and Akwa Ibom. Thunderstorms with light rain are also predicted later in the day over Bayelsa, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom.

NiMet urged residents to take precautionary measures, noting that dust particles are already in suspension over the northern region, North Central zone and inland states of the South. According to the agency, individuals with asthmatic conditions and other respiratory ailments should exercise particular caution during this period of reduced air quality.

“Driving under rain should be with caution,” NiMet advised. The agency also recommended that airline operators obtain airport-specific weather reports, also known as flight documentation, from NiMet to enable effective operational planning.

Seasonal dust haze, commonly associated with the Harmattan period, typically originates from dry and dusty north-easterly trade winds blowing from the Sahara Desert across West Africa. The phenomenon often results in reduced horizontal visibility, disruptions in air transport, and a spike in respiratory complaints, especially in densely populated urban centres. Historical meteorological data from NiMet indicate that visibility during peak Harmattan conditions can fall below one kilometre in severe cases, affecting aviation and road transport safety.

Southern Nigeria’s convective weather pattern during this transitional period is consistent with rising surface temperatures and moisture influx from the Atlantic, which often trigger isolated thunderstorms. These systems are usually accompanied by light to moderate rainfall, gusty winds and temporary disruptions to outdoor activities.

NiMet, established as Nigeria’s official meteorological authority under the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Act, provides daily and seasonal forecasts critical to agriculture, aviation, maritime operations and public health planning. The agency’s advisories form part of the country’s broader early warning framework aimed at reducing weather-related risks.