Nigerian NiMet warns airlines of upcoming dust haze, low visibility

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a critical three-day weather outlook, forecasting widespread dust haze and reduced visibility across much of Nigeria from Friday to Sunday. This advisory is particularly significant for commercial aviation, as NiMet explicitly urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for effective operational planning, highlighting potential disruptions and safety considerations. The forecast underscores the dynamic environmental challenges faced by airlines operating within the region, necessitating proactive measures.

For Friday, NiMet anticipates moderate dust haze, with visibility ranging from 2 km to 5 km, affecting key northern states such as Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi. Slight dust haze is also expected over Kano, Jigawa, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, and Adamawa. In the central region, similar moderate dust haze conditions are predicted for Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory, while other areas like Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, and Kwara are expected to experience sunny skies with scattered clouds.

The southern parts of Nigeria are set to experience different weather patterns. On Friday morning, cloudy conditions with isolated thunderstorms and light rains are forecast for Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States. These conditions are expected to extend to parts of Imo, Abia, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom later in the day. Saturday's forecast maintains sunny and hazy conditions in the north, with slight dust haze over Niger State, while the south anticipates cloudy skies and isolated thunderstorms in several coastal states.

NiMet's advisory emphasizes the importance of caution for both the public and aviation stakeholders. Beyond advising airline operators, the agency cautioned the public, especially those with respiratory issues like asthma, to take necessary precautions due to suspended dust particles in the northern region. Drivers are also urged to exercise caution during rainfall. These detailed forecasts are crucial for ensuring safety and minimizing operational impacts across Nigeria's air and ground transportation networks.