The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and cloudy conditions across Nigeria from Monday through Wednesday, urging the public to take precautions, particularly those with respiratory conditions.
In its Sunday weather outlook from Abuja, NiMet forecasted a slight dust haze over the northern region on Monday, with certain states such as Borno State and Yobe State expected to experience moderate dust haze, reducing horizontal visibility to between two and five kilometres.
The North-Central region is expected to experience a light dust haze throughout the period.
The southern states are likely to witness a cloudy atmosphere with intermittent sunshine, with minimal chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State.
By later in the day, thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are expected over areas including Ondo State, Ogun State, Lagos State, Edo State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State, Delta State, and the southernmost states of Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
On Tuesday, the northern region is expected to experience moderate dust haze, with horizontal visibility remaining between two and five kilometres.
The North-Central region will continue to experience slight dust haze, while southern states are forecasted to have cloudy skies with intermittent sunshine.
Morning thunderstorms are possible over Cross River and Akwa Ibom, with afternoon light rains and thunderstorms affecting Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
By Wednesday, NiMet predicts thick dust haze across both the northern and North-Central regions for the entire day. In the south, cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are expected, along with a chance of morning thunderstorms over Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
Later in the day, thunderstorms with light rains are forecasted over Bayelsa, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
The agency warned that suspended dust particles could affect air quality across the northern, North-Central, and inland southern states.
Residents with asthma and other respiratory conditions are advised to take necessary precautions during this period.