NAN-AE-7
Temperature
Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Oct. 28, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that increase in temperature heralding the end of the rainy season would result in deterioration in human comfort leading to dehydration and heat stress.
The statement by NiMet on Friday in Abuja said the 2016/2017 dry season had commenced in the northern part of Nigeria, adding that the season would commence in mid-November around the middle belt.
NiMet also predicted that the southernmost parts of the country especially the coastal area would however, continue to experience rains till the third week of December.
It explained that the end of the rainy season would herald hot and dry weather conditions in the afternoons, while cold nights would set in especially in the northern part.
According to NiMet, there will be a general increase in daytime temperature across most parts of the country, which will result in deterioration in human comfort leading to dehydration and heat stress.
“The citizenry, especially rural dwellers resident in the north and central parts of the country are, therefore, advised to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and stay in cool and ventilated environment.
“Incidences of meningitis epidemics are also likely,’’ the agency said.
NiMet said that strong surface winds at the dust source regions in Niger and Chad republics would encourage the lifting and transport of dust into the country.
It added that the atmosphere would get drier as the concentration of the dust particles increases, while incidences of respiratory disorder could become prevalent.
According to NiMet, dust outbreaks will occur during the season which at times will reduce horizontal visibility significantly with the attendant disruption of flight operations across the country.
“The impact of dust particle in the south will include the occurrence of early morning and late evening mist/foggy conditions which will further reduce horizontal visibility significantly.
“Road, rail and air transportation could be affected by the impairment to horizontal visibility and road users, particularly motorists are advised to use fog lamps during periods of poor visibility.
“They are also advised to drive carefully and adhere strictly to road traffic rules at all times.
The agency cautioned that persons prone to respiratory tract infections and other health conditions that could be exacerbated by dust particles should take precautionary measures and avoid prolonged exposure to dust.
It added that skin and eye irritations were also common occurrences during the season.
The consequence of the dry atmosphere, according to NiMet, will also result in availability of dry biomass and incidences of bush fire may occur frequently.
It also cautioned that the deliberate act of ‘bush burning’ and careless dropping of cigarette stubs should be avoided as this could lead to uncontrollable bush fires.
The agency said it would continue to monitor the weather and climate conditions as they unfold and will keep the general public informed regularly. (NAN)
OYS/EAL/AMY
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi and Abdullahi Yusuf