The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast dust haze and thunderstorms across different parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday, warning residents to take precautions against adverse weather conditions.
In its weather outlook released in Abuja on Sunday, the agency predicted slight dust haze over most northern states, with moderate haze expected in parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna.
For Monday, NiMet forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North-Central region in the morning, followed by isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall in parts of Kogi, Kwara, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory later in the day.
It also predicted isolated thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Taraba State on Monday afternoon or evening.
Across the southern region, cloudy skies are expected in the morning, with possible light rainfall in parts of Delta and Bayelsa.
The agency further forecast 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 Monday.
For Tuesday, NiMet predicted sunny and hazy weather across the North, while the North-Central region is expected to experience sunny skies with patches of clouds in the morning.
Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall are expected in parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue states during the afternoon or evening.
In the South, cloudy conditions are expected in the morning, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across most areas later in the day.
On Wednesday, the agency forecast slight dust haze over most northern states throughout the day, while the North-Central region is expected to experience sunny skies with patches of clouds.
The southern region is likely to experience cloudy weather in the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall in parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra states.
NiMet also predicted light rainfall over parts of the South-West and South-South regions later on Wednesday.
The agency advised people with asthma and other respiratory conditions to take precautions against suspended dust particles.
It warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms, urging residents to secure loose objects that could be blown away.
NiMet also advised the public to avoid taking shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms because of the risk of falling branches and broken trees.
Residents were further urged to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms to minimise the risk of damage and electrical hazards.
The agency advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to support effective flight planning and safe operations.
It urged members of the public to stay informed through regular weather updates on its official website.