The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a three-day weather warning forecasting dust haze across northern Nigeria and thunderstorms in several parts of the country from Friday, 30 October, to Sunday, 1 November 2026, in an outlook released in Abuja on Thursday, 29 October, urging residents to take precautions against potentially hazardous weather conditions.

The forecast points to contrasting weather patterns across Nigeria, with northern states expected to experience varying levels of atmospheric dust, while southern communities face intermittent thunderstorms and rainfall, particularly during afternoon and evening hours.

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In its Friday forecast, NiMet predicted slight dust haze across most northern states, with moderate haze expected over parts of Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna.

Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall are also expected over parts of Taraba State later in the afternoon or evening.

Across the North-Central region, the agency forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds. However, residents in parts of Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory and Benue should expect isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rain later in the day.

Southern Nigeria is expected to experience more unsettled conditions. NiMet predicted cloudy skies during Friday morning, with possible light rainfall over parts of Delta and Bayelsa.

The agency also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti, alongside several locations across the South-East and South-South regions, later in the afternoon or evening.

For Saturday, 31 October, the northern region is expected to experience predominantly sunny and hazy conditions throughout the day.

The North-Central region is forecast to have sunny skies with patches of clouds during the morning, while isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall could develop over parts of Kogi, Kwara and Benue later in the afternoon or evening.

Southern states are expected to experience cloudy conditions during the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall across most areas later in the day.

The weather pattern is expected to change slightly on Sunday, 1 November, when NiMet forecasts continued slight dust haze across most northern areas.

Sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected throughout the day across the North-Central region.

In the South, cloudy conditions are anticipated during the morning, with thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall forecast over parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra States.

Light rainfall is also expected over parts of the South-West and South-South regions later in the day.

Beyond the immediate forecast, the expected dust haze highlights a recurring environmental concern during Nigeria’s transition towards the drier months.

NiMet’s 2024 State of the Climate report documented significant dust haze episodes in October, November and December, linking the movement of Saharan dust into the country with reduced atmospheric visibility and possible respiratory irritation.

The agency has consequently urged residents, particularly people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions, to minimise exposure to suspended dust particles and take appropriate precautions.

Dust pollution can irritate the respiratory tract, trigger coughing and wheezing, and aggravate existing breathing difficulties.

NiMet’s climate and health guidance also identifies reduced visibility as a potential challenge for road transport and aviation.

The agency has warned that strong winds may precede thunderstorms during the forecast period, advising residents to secure loose objects around their homes and workplaces to prevent them from being blown away.

It also urged members of the public to avoid standing beneath tall trees during storms because falling branches and damaged trees could cause injuries.

Electrical safety remains another concern.

NiMet advised residents to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms, while avoiding contact with electrical equipment during active storms.

For motorists, changing visibility during dusty conditions and rainfall makes cautious driving particularly important.

Residents are also encouraged to seek shelter in safe buildings when thunderstorms develop rather than remain in exposed locations.

The warning extends to the aviation sector, with NiMet advising airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports and flight documentation to support operational planning.

The agency further encouraged Nigerians to monitor its official website for updated forecasts and weather advisories as conditions develop.

Although the three-day outlook identifies the states and regions most likely to experience dust haze and rainfall, the forecast does not mean every community within those areas will experience identical conditions.

For residents, the coming weekend is therefore a reminder to remain attentive to local weather developments, particularly in communities expecting moderate rainfall and areas affected by suspended dust.

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With thunderstorms, strong winds and reduced visibility presenting different challenges across the country, timely information and practical precautions remain essential to reducing weather-related risks.