The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather forecast predicting hazy skies and scattered thunderstorms across the country from Sunday, March 3rd to Tuesday, March 5th, 2024. This forecast comes as Nigerians prepare for the start of the dry season in most parts of the country.
According to NiMet’s press release: [invalid URL removed], the northern region can expect dust haze with limited visibility ranging from 2km to 5km throughout the forecast period. However, there is also a possibility of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba and Kaduna states during the afternoon and evening hours.
The southern regions will experience cloudy skies with occasional sunshine in the morning hours, transitioning to thunderstorms over some states later in the day. Specifically, NiMet predicts thunderstorms in areas like Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers on Sunday.
The forecast for Monday and Tuesday remains similar, with cloudy skies with sunny intervals expected in the north and thunderstorms possible over parts of Gombe, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Taraba. The southern regions will continue to experience cloudy skies with sunshine intervals and the potential for isolated thunderstorms in some areas.
Experts Advise Caution:
While the predicted thunderstorms are expected to be isolated and brief, NiMet advises Nigerians to remain cautious during these weather events. The agency recommends staying indoors during heavy downpours and avoiding driving through flooded areas. Additionally, individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses should be mindful of the dust haze in the north and take necessary precautions, such as wearing masks when outdoors.
NiMet’s forecast suggests that the dry season is gradually taking hold in most parts of Nigeria. However, the presence of thunderstorms highlights the unpredictable nature of weather patterns. It is important to stay informed about the latest weather updates from NiMet or other reputable sources.