By Gabriel Agbeja | Abuja, Jan. 7, 2026
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a significant three-day weather outlook, forecasting a dominant pattern of haziness and sunshine across Nigeria from Wednesday through Friday. This forecast is more than a simple weather report; it signals specific environmental and health conditions that require public awareness and precaution.
Decoding the Forecast: Regional Breakdown and Underlying Causes
The predicted weather pattern is driven by two primary factors: the prevailing Harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert and local atmospheric dynamics. The “haziness” is primarily dust haze, a suspension of fine particulate matter (dust and sand) in the air, significantly reducing visibility and air quality.
- Northern & Central Regions: Expect sunny and hazy skies throughout the three-day period. By Friday afternoon, this is expected to intensify to a full dust haze over the North. This is typical Harmattan weather, characterized by very dry air, dusty conditions, and a significant drop in humidity.
- Southern Region: A more varied mix is anticipated. While sunshine with cloudy patches will dominate, there are critical chances of isolated thunderstorms and light rains, particularly in coastal and southern inland states. These rains, while potentially light, can create sudden hazardous conditions on roads and for aviation.
Beyond the Forecast: Critical Implications for Public Health and Safety
NiMet’s advisory goes beyond prediction to highlight serious risks. Here’s what this weather means for you:
- Respiratory Health Emergency: The agency specifically warns individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions (like bronchitis, sinusitis, and COPD) to be extremely cautious. The high concentration of dust particles can trigger severe attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and exacerbate chronic illnesses. The general public may experience dry cough, sore throat, and irritated eyes.
- Travel and Transportation Hazards:
- Road Users: “Driving under rain should be with caution” is a vital warning. The combination of initial dusty film on roads and sudden, light rains can create extremely slippery conditions, leading to increased accident risk. Reduced visibility from haze is an additional danger.
- Aviation: The direct advisory to airline operators to obtain detailed, airport-specific weather briefings from NiMet underscores the serious impact of dust haze and isolated thunderstorms on flight schedules, takeoff/landing visibility, and overall flight safety.
- General Precautionary Measures: The public is urged to take necessary precautions against the suspended dust particles. This includes staying hydrated, wearing face masks outdoors, sealing living spaces to reduce dust ingress, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities.
Proactive Steps: How to Stay Informed and Safe
NiMet emphasizes the importance of staying updated. Weather conditions, especially thunderstorm development, can change rapidly. The agency advises residents to:
- Regularly check official updates via the NiMet website (www.nimet.gov.ng).
- Follow NiMet’s verified social media channels for real-time alerts.
- Plan daily activities with the weather in mind, especially if you fall into a vulnerable health group or are involved in travel.
This NiMet outlook serves as a crucial public service announcement. By understanding the deeper implications of “haziness and sunshine,” Nigerians can better protect their health, plan their movements safely, and mitigate the risks associated with this specific weather pattern. (NAN)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Emmanuel Yashim
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