NiMet Forecasts Hazy Conditions Nationwide as Early Dry Season Sets In

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has officially forecasted sunny skies with moderate to localized hazy conditions across the country from October 18 to 21, 2025, signaling the gradual onset of Nigeria’s early dry season.

The advisory, released through NiMet’s Abuja headquarters, attributes the phenomenon to suspended dust particles drifting from the northern fringes of the Sahara Desert — a classic precursor to the Harmattan season.

An accompanying image shared with the forecast shows a dusty Nigerian highway under reduced visibility, underscoring the safety risks this transition period brings for motorists and air travelers.

NiMet cautioned drivers, especially in the northern corridors of Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Maiduguri, to maintain low speeds and use headlights during daytime travel to avoid accidents caused by the shifting visibility.

Residents in the central and southern states, including Abuja, Kwara, and Oyo, are also expected to experience slightly dusty sunshine and early morning haze, a pattern typical of October as wind directions shift from moist Atlantic flows to drier continental currents. The agency added that temperatures may fluctuate between 21°C in the early morning and over 36°C in the afternoon, producing the sharp humidity drop that often defines the start of the Harmattan.

Medical experts warn that the seasonal haze carries health implications beyond discomfort. According to a 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) report on sub-Saharan air quality, suspended dust and particulate matter during this period can worsen respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, and allergic rhinitis. The WHO recommends that vulnerable groups — particularly children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing lung conditions — wear face masks outdoors, stay hydrated, and reduce exposure during peak haze hours between noon and 4 p.m.

Environmental observers note that while the haze signals the arrival of the festive season in many Nigerian cities, it also reveals the country’s fragile environmental balance. With rising desertification and poor urban air monitoring, experts are calling for more local air-quality data and awareness campaigns as dry-season pollution intensifies.

NiMet reaffirmed its commitment to providing regular updates as the atmosphere transitions toward full Harmattan, which typically peaks between December and February. For now, Nigerians are advised to stay alert, protect their respiratory health, and take necessary precautions as the skies begin to pale under the first dusty breath of the northern winds.