Thick dust haze expected across Yobe, Kano, Kaduna, other northern states – NiMet

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather alert warning that a thick dust haze is expected to affect several northern states, including Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara.

According to the advisory, issued on Tuesday on the Agency’s X handle, NiMet said a dust plume is currently being observed over Chad and the southern parts of the Niger Republic.

The agency explained that northeasterly winds with speeds of between 25 and 30 knots at about 800 metres above sea level are expected to transport the dust into northern Nigeria, leading to reduced air quality and poor visibility.

NiMet forecast that the affected areas will experience thick dust haze with horizontal visibility of less than or equal to 1,000 metres, a condition that could pose risks to road users, air travellers and residents.

“A dust plume is currently observed over Chad and the southern Niger Republic. Northeasterly winds, with speeds of 25–30 knots at about 800 m, are expected to transport the dust into the northern parts of Nigeria.

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“Thick dust haze is expected to affect parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara States, with horizontal visibility ≤ 1,000 m,”

In its advisory, the weather agency urged residents, motorists and airline operators in the affected states to exercise caution. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions were advised to take necessary health precautions, as dust particles are expected to remain in suspension over the region.

NiMet also advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from the agency to aid proper flight planning and ensure safety.

“Dust particles are in suspension over the Northern region; public should take necessary precaution

“People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should be cautious.

“Airline operators should obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for proper planning,”

The agency encouraged the public to stay informed through official weather updates and adhere strictly to safety advisories as the dusty conditions persist.

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