By Juliana Ajayi
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has issued a new weather forecast and advised pilots and the general public, particularly those with asthma and respiratory difficulties, to strictly follow it.
On Tuesday, it stated that throughout the forecast period, sunny and hazy skies are predicted over the northern region, with a few patches of clouds expected over parts of Taraba state.
“Sunny and hazy skies are expected over the north-central regions, with few patches of cloud over parts of Kwara, Kogi, and Benue states throughout the forecast period.
“Cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are envisaged over the inland states of the South and the coastal cities during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Edo, Ondo, Abia, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta states.
On Wednesday, the agency also disclosed that dust haze is expected over the northern region during the forecast period.
“Cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected over the Inland States of the South and the coastal areas during the morning hours.
“In the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Edo, Imo, Abia, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states,” it explained.
On Thursday, December 7, NiMET said dust haze is expected over the northern region during the forecast period.
“Sunny and hazy skies are anticipated over the north-central region within the forecast period. Cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected over the Inland States of the South and the coastal cities during the morning hours. Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Edo, Abia, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta states.
“Dust particles are in suspension; the public should take the necessary precautions. People with asthma and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situation.
“Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods. The public is advised to take the necessary precautions and avoid driving and walking through flood waters.
“Strong winds are likely to precede and accompany the thunderstorms; the public is advised to take necessary safety precautions,” it said.
In order to prevent the loss of life and property during the rainy season, the meteorological agency asked disaster risk managers, agencies, and individuals to be proactive. In an effort to plan their operations effectively, airline operators are urged to obtain the most recent weather reports from NiMet.
