THE Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast dust haze and thunderstorms across parts of the country between Friday and Sunday.
In its weather outlook released in Abuja on Thursday, the agency predicted slight dust haze over most parts of the North, with moderate haze expected in Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna States.
NiMet also forecast isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall over parts of Taraba State on Friday afternoon or evening.
For the North-Central region, the agency expected sunny skies with patches of clouds, while isolated thunderstorms and light rains were anticipated over parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory and Benue State later in the day.
In the South, cloudy skies are expected in the morning, with light rainfall likely over parts of Delta and Bayelsa States.
The agency further predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States, as well as the South-East and South-South regions, later on Friday.
For Saturday, NiMet forecast sunny and hazy conditions across the northern region throughout the day.
The North-Central region is expected to experience sunny skies with patches of clouds in the morning, while isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are likely over parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue States in the afternoon or evening.
In the southern region, cloudy skies are expected in the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall across most areas later in the day.
The agency predicted slight dust haze over most parts of the North throughout the forecast period.
It also forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds across the North-Central region, while the South is expected to experience cloudy conditions in the morning.
NiMet said isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are likely over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra States, with light rainfall also expected over parts of the South-West and South-South regions later in the day.
The agency advised residents to take precautions against suspended dust particles, particularly people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
It also warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms, urging residents to secure loose objects that could be blown away.
NiMet further advised the public to avoid standing under tall trees during thunderstorms to minimise the risk of injuries from falling branches or broken trees.
Residents were also urged to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms. It advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to support effective flight planning.
It urged members of the public to stay updated on changing weather conditions through its official website.
Nanji is an investigative journalist with the ICIR. She has years of experience in reporting and broadcasting human angle stories, gender inequalities, minority stories, and human rights issues. She has documented sexual war crimes in armed conflict, sex for grades in Nigerian Universities, harmful traditional practices and human trafficking.