The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a mix of dust haze and thunderstorms across different parts of the country between January 19 and 21, according to a Weather Outlook released by its Central Forecast Office on January 18. The forecast provides important guidance for public safety, transportation, and operational planning.

On Monday, January 19, moderate dust haze was expected in parts of Kebbi and Kano states, reducing visibility to between 2 and 5 kilometres, while other northern areas were forecast to experience sunny but hazy conditions. In the central region, similar dust haze was predicted over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State, with the rest of the zone remaining sunny and hazy. The southern region was forecast to experience mostly sunny skies with scattered clouds, alongside possible afternoon or eveningthunderstorms with light rainfall in parts of Bayelsa, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states.

By Tuesday, January 20, slight dust haze was expected to persist in parts of Kano and Kebbi, while other northern states remained sunny and hazy. Central Nigeria was forecast to maintain similar conditions, with the possibility of isolated thunderstorms over Plateau State later in the day. Southern states were expected to experience sunshine with cloud patches and thunderstorms accompanied by light rain across parts of Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.

On Wednesday, January 21, sunny and hazy skies were forecast across the northern and central regions, while the south was expected to continue experiencing sunshine with occasional cloud cover and afternoon or evening thunderstorms in states including Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.

Public Health and Safety Advisories Issued

NiMet cautioned the public about suspended dust particles, advising people—especially those with asthma and other respiratory conditions—to take necessary health precautions. Motorists were urged to exercise caution during rainfall due to reduced visibility and slippery roads, while airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.

Climate Change Context and Global Developments

Beyond short-term weather patterns, NiMet’s forecast aligns with broader climate changetrends affecting communities, health, and livelihoods globally. Climate-focused initiatives such as Climate Watch aim to amplify reporting on environmental challenges and mitigation efforts that often receive limited media attention.

Recent climate data shows that global oceanheat content increased for the ninth consecutive year in 2025, with oceans absorbing over 90 percent of excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers reported an increase of approximately 23 zettajoules compared to 2024, making 2025 the hottest year on record for marine heat.

In response, President Bola Tinubu announced Nigeria’s Climate and Green Industrialisation Investment Playbook at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, aiming to unlock $25–30 billion annually in climate finance. The initiative seeks to align climate action with energy access, economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion. Meanwhile, the Carbon Market Association of Nigeria (CMAN) has called on the government to de-risk carbon market projects to attract investors and turn climate frameworks into bankable ventures.

Globally, climate challenges persist. The United States recorded a 2.4 percent rise in greenhouse gas emissions in 2025, largely driven by increased coal usage. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) also confirmed that 2025 ranked among the three warmest years ever recorded, with global temperatures averaging 1.44°C above pre-industrial levels, underscoring the urgency of coordinated global climate action.