NiMet Warns of Dust Haze, Thunderstorms Across Nigeria as Heavy Rain Threatens Southern States

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a combination of dust haze, cloudy skies and thunderstorms across Nigeria from Monday, October 19, to Wednesday, October 21, 2026, urging residents to take precautions against weather-related risks.

The agency disclosed this in its three-day weather outlook issued on Sunday, October 18, according to information published on its official website. The forecast covers different weather conditions across the northern, North-Central and southern parts of the country.

NiMet predicted slight dust haze over most parts of northern Nigeria on Monday, with moderate haze expected in some areas of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna states. It also forecast isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall over parts of Taraba State in the afternoon or evening.

In the North-Central region, the agency expected sunny skies with patches of clouds during the morning. However, conditions could change later in the day, with isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall forecast over parts of Kogi, Kwara, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.

Across southern Nigeria, cloudy skies were expected during Monday morning, with light rainfall likely over parts of Delta and Bayelsa states. NiMet also predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states, as well as areas of the South-East and South-South regions, later in the day.

For Tuesday, October 20, the agency forecast sunny and hazy weather across the northern region throughout the day. In the North-Central, sunny skies with patches of clouds were expected in the morning, followed by isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall over parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue states in the afternoon or evening.

The weather outlook indicated that southern states could experience more unsettled conditions on Tuesday. Although cloudy skies were expected in the morning, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall were forecast over most parts of the region later in the day.

On Wednesday, October 21, NiMet predicted slight dust haze over most parts of northern Nigeria, while sunny skies with patches of clouds were expected across the North-Central region. In the South, cloudy morning conditions could give way to thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra states. Light rainfall was also forecast over parts of the South-West and South-South later in the day.

The agency advised members of the public, particularly people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions, to take precautions against suspended dust particles. It also warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms, urging residents to secure loose objects around their homes and workplaces to prevent them from being blown away.

NiMet further advised residents to avoid taking shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms because strong winds could break branches or uproot trees, potentially causing injuries. The agency’s three-day outlook serves as a reminder for residents, motorists and other outdoor workers to pay attention to changing weather conditions and follow official updates. Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to support the safe planning of flight operations.