By GABRIEL AGBEJA

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), on Thursday in Abuja predicted low weather visibility below a thousand over some parts of the northern region on Saturday.

NiMet said in a statement, signed by its General Manager, Public Relation, Mr Muntari Ibrahim, that dust haze would affect the northern States such as Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina and its environs.

“The haze originates from the Faya Largeau in Chad Republic – a major dust haze source region for Nigeria and indeed the West African Sub-region.

“The value scale of significant visibility deterioration over the northern cities will range from 2,000 metres to 5,000 metres with isolated cases of visibility below 1,000 metres.

“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,” it said.

The agency advised motorists to drive with caution, especially in the extreme northern parts where reduction in visibility is envisaged.

According to NiMet, more attention is expected, especially during the early morning period, when horizontal visibility is mostly impaired.

It said hot and dry atmospheric condition associated with harmattan could result in heat exhaustion and dehydration, therefore “keeping the body hydrated by drinking water is crucial to avoid heat stroke. However, temperatures at night could be very low, and adequate clothing is therefore essential.

“The expected reduction in visibility may disrupt flight operations through cancellation and delay; this is for the safety of air travellers.

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

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