NiMet issues warning to people with asthma as it predicts 3-day haziness, cloudiness across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has forecast haziness and cloudiness across the country from Monday, Feb. 19, to Wednesday, Feb. 21.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday, Feb. 18, in Abuja, predicted moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km over the northern and North Central states.

The statement reads: “Except Benue, Kogi and Kwara where patches of cloud in a hazy atmosphere is anticipated. Patches of clouds are expected over the Inland of the South throughout the forecast period.

“Patches of clouds are expected over the Coast in the morning with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa states during the afternoon and evening hours,” it said.

“Patches of clouds are expected in the morning over the Inland of the South and the Coast.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun, Edo, Imo, Enugu, Lagos, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa states,” it said.

The agency expects a slight dust haze over the northern region on Wednesday.

It envisages patches of cloud in a hazy atmosphere over the North Central region except over parts of Plateau, Kwara, Benue and Kogi states where isolated thunderstorms were expected later in the day.

NiMet anticipates patches of clouds over the inland of the South and the Coast in the morning with prospects of isolated thunderstorms.

“(This will be) over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Oyo, Ondo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states later in the day.

The agency admonished people with respiratory issues to wear face masks where possible.

“People with respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations. Children and the elderly should wear warm clothing at night.

“Special attention should be paid to your skin, eyes and lips. Moisturize your skin and lips as much as possible,” it added.

It also advised airline operators to obtain updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.