The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has warned that reduction in visibility resulting from harmattan dust haze would prevail over the Northern and Central States of the country in the next 18 hours.

NiMet’s weather alert by its Central Forecast Office (CFO), on Sunday in Abuja, said that fresh dust plume was raised this morning around 0900Z over Mao and neighbouring cities in Chad.

It stated that the expected reduction in visibility might cause cancellation and delay of flights especially over the North eastern part of the country for the safety of air travelers.

NiMet also cautioned that road users should be careful and avoid over speeding especially during the early morning period when horizontal visibility was mostly impaired.

According to the agency, the harmattan dust haze has its attendant health implications, those that are allergic to dust are advised to take necessary precautions and take their medications to alleviate its effect on their health.

“The Northern cities such as Maiduguri, Gombe, Damaturu, Nguru, Kano, Katsina, Dutse and Yola are expected to experience reduction in horizontal visibilities to about 3,000m or less in about five to six hours from time of issuance.

“A further reduction in visibility is expected over parts of the central cities such as Abuja, Minna, Kaduna, Bida, Lafia, Jos, and Bauchi, in dust haze condition in the next 18 hours or less from time of issuance.

“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency will continue to monitor the weather and keep you updated,” NiMet stated. (NAN)