By GABRIEL AGBEJA

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast dust haze and thunderstorms across the country from Monday to Wednesday.

NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Sunday in Abuja, envisaged slight dust haze over most northern areas, with moderate haze over parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna states.

It predicted isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Taraba State on Monday afternoon or evening.

For the North-Central region, the agency forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds during Monday morning.

Later in the afternoon or evening, isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory and Benue states.

NiMet envisaged cloudy skies across the southern region, with possible light rains over parts of Delta and Bayelsa states on Monday morning.

It predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states, as well as the South-East and South-South, later on Monday.

For Tuesday, the agency forecast sunny and hazy conditions across the northern region throughout the day.

NiMet predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North-Central region during the morning hours.

Later in the afternoon or evening, isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are expected over parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue states.

For the southern region, NiMet forecast cloudy skies during the morning hours, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains across most areas later in the day.

On Wednesday, the agency envisaged slight dust haze over most northern areas throughout the forecast period.

It predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North-Central region throughout Wednesday.

NiMet forecast cloudy skies over the southern region during the morning hours, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra states.

The agency also predicted light rains over parts of the South-West and South-South regions later on Wednesday.

NiMet advised the public to take precautions against suspended dust particles, particularly people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

It warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms and urged residents to secure loose objects to prevent them from being blown away.

The agency advised residents to avoid tall trees to reduce the risk of injuries from falling branches and broken trees.

It also urged the public to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms.

“Airline operators are advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning of their operations,” it said.

The agency urged residents to stay informed through weather updates on its website. (NAN)