Flights to be disrupted as harmattan sets in – NiMet

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned there could be high cases of flight disruptions as the harmattan season sets in.

A statement from NiMet on Thursday said the expected reduction in visibility in the coming weeks may disrupt flight operations through cancellation and delay of flights at some airports across the country.

NiMet indicated that during the Harmattan season, sunny and hazy conditions are expected over the Northern states and central cities down to the inland cities of the southern parts with thick dust haze conditions which can impair horizontal visibility to less than 1000m (1km).

NiMet also advised road users to be careful and avoid over speeding especially during early morning period when horizontal visibility is impaired by fog, mist or dust haze.

These weather conditions can increase traffic congestion or even cause accidents, it said.

The statement indicated that day time temperatures are anticipated to increase across the country accompanied by decrease in night time temperatures resulting in cold nights.

Similarly, “dryness is anticipated due to expected reduction in humidity and cloud cover. Surface winds are also expected to be stronger especially over the northern parts. Bush burning should be avoided as the dryness and strong wind can increase fire incidences and cause severe crop damage at harvesting period.”

NiMet also noted that “dust Haze contributes to deterioration of air quality and has adverse effects on human health; it can trigger asthma and bronchitis attacks as well as cause cold, cough, catarrh, and even meningitis.”