NiMet Warns Nigerian Airlines of Three-Day Dust Haze, Thunderstorm Risk

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a critical three-day weather outlook spanning January 19 to 21. This forecast predicts widespread dust haze and thunderstorms across Nigeria. The advisory is a key piece of aeronautical meteorology reports for all stakeholders. It highlights the potential for significant disruption to Nigerian aviation operations.

Regional Weather Forecast

NiMet's Central Forecast Office released the outlook on January 18. It detailed varying conditions across the country's three main regions. The forecast covers the period from Monday, January 19, to Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Northern and Central Regions

Moderate dust haze was anticipated in the Northern region. States like Kebbi and Kano were expected to see horizontal visibility of 2-5km. The rest of the northern states would experience sunny and hazy skies. The Central region, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State, faced similar moderate dust haze. Reduced visibility is a major concern for aerodrome operating minima. On Tuesday and Wednesday, sunny and hazy skies are expected to persist across both the Northern and Central regions.

Southern Region Thunderstorm Risk

In the Southern region, the forecast is different. Sunny skies with cloud patches are anticipated. However, there are prospects for afternoon or evening thunderstorms with light rains. This risk covers parts of Lagos, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states. On Tuesday, the risk expands to include Ogun, Ondo, and Edo states. By Wednesday, the storm risk includes Oyo and Delta states as well. Thunderstorms present a different hazard to Nigerian aviation operations.

Impact on Flight Operations

The combination of dust haze and thunderstorms poses dual challenges to the aviation sector. Dust haze, a common feature of the Harmattan season weather, drastically reduces air-to-ground visibility. This often leads to flight delays and cancellations.

• Visibility Reduction: Horizontal visibility of 2-5km is a challenge for visual flight rules (VFR) and certain instrument approaches.
• Operational Minima: When visibility falls below prescribed operating minima, Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) may close the airspace.
• Aircraft Safety: Dust particles in suspension can cause abrasion and corrosion on aircraft surfaces.

Airline operators must strictly adhere to published aerodrome weather minima. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) often reinforces NiMet's warnings. NiMet, which is ISO 9001:2015 certified in Aeronautical Meteorology, is the official source for essential flight documentation.

NiMet's Advisory to Aviation Stakeholders

NiMet strongly advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports. This essential flight documentation is crucial for effective operational planning. Pilots must obtain adequate departure, route, and destination weather briefings. This is a critical safety measure during periods of adverse weather.

• Operators must plan for potential flight diversions or delays.
• Pilots should exercise maximum restraint when adverse weather is observed.
• NiMet provides essential reports like METARs, TAFs, and SIGMETs to the industry.

The agency also warned the general public about the suspended dust particles. People with respiratory issues, such as asthma, should take necessary precautions. Driving with caution is also advised during any rainfall associated with the thunderstorms.

Get breaking commercial aviation news and expert airline analysis at flying.flights.