By Mohammed Mohammed
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), on Thursday predicted the atmospheric predominance of low weather visibility of below 1000 metres over some parts of the Northern region beginning from today (Friday) the 20th of November.
The Dust haze, according to the agency is consequently expected to affect the Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina States and its environs.
The originate of the dust haze is traceable to the Faya Largeau in Chad Republic, which is a major dust haze source hub for Nigeria and indeed the West African Sub-region.
The General Manager, Public Relations of the agency, Mr. Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, in a statement, said the value scale of significant visibility deterioration over the Northern cities would range from 2000-5000 metres with isolated cases of visibility below 1000 metres.
He said: ”Most parts of the Central states are expected to be partly cloudy with sunny intervals while the southern states are expected to be cloudy with prospects of isolated thunderstorms
“Consequently, motorists are advised to drive with caution especially in the extreme northern parts where reduction in visibility is envisaged. More attention is expected especially during the early morning period when horizontal visibility is mostly impaired.”
Ibrahim, added that hot and dry atmospheric condition associated with harmattan could result in heat exhaustion and dehydration, hence keeping the body hydrated by drinking water is crucial to avoid heat stroke, however temperatures at night could be very low, adequate clothing is therefore essential.
The expected reduction in visibility may disrupt flight operations through cancellation and delay of flights; this is for the safety of air travelers.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency assured that it will continue to monitor the weather and keep Nigerians updated on the weather phenomenon.