The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has forecasted sunny and hazy atmosphere for the North and parts of the North Central states of the country beginning from Wednesday, February 14 spanning through to Friday, February 16, 2024.
It also predicted that air temperatures values are quite high expecting to hit 41 degree celsius over the North and 39 degree celsius over the South, with model projections indicating temperatures to remain high in the coming days.
In the report released on Tuesday by the meteorological agency in its weather report in Abuja, NiMET also sounded a forewarning to asthma patients and people with respiratory issues, as well as airline operators over the impending hazy weather.
“People with respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations,” the report said.
“Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMET for effective planning of their operations,” the report added.
In a detailed forecast outlook, the report stated that come Wednesday (Day 1), “A sunny and hazy atmosphere is expected over the North and parts of the North Central states. Increased cloudiness is expected over Kogi, Benue, Kwara, and the Southern states while isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Ondo and Edo states”.
NiMET predicts that on Thursday (Day 2), “There are slim prospects of thunderstorms over Kogi and Benue State while the rest of the North and North Central should stay sunny and hazy. Prospects of thunderstorms are likely over parts of Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Ondo, Lagos, Imo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Cross Rivers States.
“For Friday (Day 3), NiMET predicts, “Slight Dust Haze is anticipated over the North while the North Central should stay sunny and hazy. There are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.”
The agency also advised the general public to take necessary precautions such as using face masks where possible as dust particles are expected to be in suspension.
The report further urged the general public to pay special attention to their eyes, skin and lips and to ensure they moisturize their skin and lips as much as possible.
As air temperature values are quite high over the North Central and Southern States, the Public have been advised to take necessary precautions to manage the heat stress as there could be implications of dehydration leading to fainting; Chicken Pox disease, Measles, Heat Rashes, weakness of the body, slight fever and dry lips. It also implies heat-related illness; respiratory issues; and increased vulnerability to chronic conditions.
Adequate fluid intake, use of fans and light breathable clothing, and avoiding strenuous physical activity during peak heat hours (staying indoors as much as possible between 12 noon and 4pm evening time) have also been advised by the agency.
