Tag: Weather

Danger alerts: NCAA warns pilots, airline operators over hazardous weather in dry season

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned pilots and airline operators to exercise caution over hazardous weather in dry season.

TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this caution was contained in an Advisory Circular (AC) with reference no AC: NCAA-AEROMET – 34 initiated by the Directorate of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS) addressed to all Pilots and Airline Operators and signed by the Director General, Capt. Musa Nuhu dated 19th December, 2022.

The Advisory circular is sequel to the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) which reported that cessation of rainfall and weather associated with Dry Season in Nigeria from late December 2022 to March/April 2023.

Hence, this AC is intended to alert pilots about nature of weather associated with dry season in Nigeria ranging from light/moderate to severe dust haze and sometimes early morning fog which can sometimes reduce the horizontal visibility to below the aerodrome operating minima.

According to the agency, with the issuance of this circular, Advisory Circular AC: NCAA – AEROMET 33 is accordingly cancelled.

Enumerated below are effects of this hazardous weather on flight operations:

a.) Air-to-ground visibility reduction due to haze dust or fog;

b.) Aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed operating minima and in severe conditions, dust haze can blot out runways, markers and airfield lightings over wide areas making visuals navigation extremely difficult or impossible; and

c.) Flights are bound to be delayed, diverted or cancelled where terminal visibility falls below the prescribed aerodrome operating minima.

In view of the above, NCAA obliged all Pilots, Operators and Air Traffic Controllers to abide by these safety requirements:

i.) Closure of the airspace by Air Traffic Controllers when any of these conditions in (3) are observed or forecast by NIMET;

ii.) Strict adherence to published aerodrome weather minima by Flight Crews/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC);

iii.) Pilots/Flight Crew Members shall obtain adequate departure, en-route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET Aerodrome Meteorological Offices and Stations prior to flight operations and exercise maximum restraint whenever an adverse weather is observed; and

iv.) Operators shall ensure that all necessary measures are put in place to cushion the effects of delay or cancellations on their passengers.

The aviation authority urged all passengers to exercise patience and understanding during the period as their safety is of utmost importance.

The NCAA further advised stakeholders should ensure strict compliance to this Advisory Circular as violations would be viewed seriously.

December 27, 2022
Be ready for more heavy rainfall, NiMet cautions Nigerians

…says flood not caused by released dams

The NiMet DG said in the coming days, there would be high intensity rains and coupled with the dams being let open, there will be more floods.

Benue and Kogi states are experiencing huge flooding, reminiscent of the 2012 floods.

The latest floods has led to loss of lives and properties worth billions of naira.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have said there is likelihood of more states experiencing floods in the coming days, especially in the North Central, South East and South Western States.

Director-General, NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu, and Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Mr Clement Nze, gave the indication at the opening ceremony of the workshop on Hydro-meteorological status and outlook system (HydroSOS).

The NiMet DG said in the coming days, there would be high intensity rains and coupled with the dams being let open, there will be more floods.

Benue and Kogi states are experiencing huge flooding, reminiscent of the 2012 floods. The latest floods has led to loss of lives and properties worth billions of naira.

“Remember, we issued the forecast in February and we followed up with the monthly updates that we’re going to have above normal rainfall in most part of the country. So in terms of the rainfall induced floods, we’ve seen the peak but remember we told you that this rainwater gets collected into the reservoirs and dams, and whenever they are filled, it gets spilled. So, on the13th of September, the Lagbo Dam was released. And also Kainji and Shiroro dams were also were released. So what we’re witnessing now is riverine flooding” Prof. Matazu explained.

“And from the information we’re getting from NIHSA we’re going to see more floods. And now the rain is concentrating on the North Central and the southern states. So that will be a combination of short duration, high intensity rain, which riverine flooding. So we’re going to see more of these floods in the north central states as we are seeing in Kogi and also south eastern and southwestern states as we are beginning to see in a number of parts of South West.”

He further noted that water-associated risks are going to intensify in the coming years as the full weight of climate change begin to bear on our earth.

“In Africa, water-related hazards such as flood, drought etc has become a major cause of food insecurity, strains on livelihoods, health risks and conflicts in many parts of the continent.”

The DG NIHSA said the flood that has happened was primarily caused by rainfall and not the released dams.

He also noted that coupled with the fact that some people had built on flood plains, and with the rise in water levels in the River Niger and Benue, the floods became inevitable.

October 12, 2022
NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorm across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted three days of sunshine and thunderstorm across the country.

NiMet`s weather outlook released on Sunday predicted northern region of the country to be cloudy with intervals of sunshine as well as chances of thunderstorm over parts of Adamawa and Taraba during the morning hours.

Few thunderstorms are also expected over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Kaduna State within the forecast period while progressing into the day.

NiMet forecast cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine over the central region with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Nasarawa and Kogi.

The agency envisaged chances of thunderstorms over parts of Kogi, Plateau and Nasarawa later in the day.

It predicted cloudy atmosphere over Inland and Coastal cities of South with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Ekiti, Imo, Edo, Enugu, Abia, Osun, Ondo, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Lagos State during morning hours.

NiMet anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Ogun, Oyo, Enugu, Ondo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers during the afternoon and evening period.

Cloudy atmosphere are envisaged on Tuesday with intervals of sunshine over the northern region throughout the forecast period.

NiMET also forecast North central region to be in cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals in the morning hours.

“Progressing into the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Plateau, Nasarawa and Niger.

“Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the Inland and coastal cities of the South in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Akwa Ibom, Cross river and Rivers during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta and Lagos state,“ the statement read in part.

The agency predicted cloudy atmosphere on Wednesday with intervals of sunshine over the Northern region in the morning hours.

NiMet forecast thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa and Taraba in the afternoon and evening hours later in the day.

It further forecast the North central region to be in cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals during the morning hours with chances of thunderstorms over parts of Nasarawa, Plateau and Federal Capital Territory during the afternoon and evening hours.

Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the Inland and the coastal cities of the South with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River during the morning hours.

“Progressing into the day, thunderstorms are envisaged over most parts of the region. For areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong and squally winds are likely. People should avoid parking and staying under tall trees.

“To reduce incidences of erosion and overflow of water beyond its normal limit, gutters and water ways should be cleared of debris and obstacles to ensure free flow of water.

“Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” NiMET said.

May 23, 2022
NiMet predicts sunshine, cloudiness Monday to Wednesday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and sunshine from Monday to Wednesday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja predicted sunny and dry conditions over northern region throughout the forecast period on Monday.

According to it, North central region is envisaged to be sunny and dry as well. Partly cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are anticipated over the inland within the forecast hours.

“The coastal cities however, are expected to be in partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with chances of few thunderstorms over Lagos, Ijebu, Akwa Ibom in the afternoon and evening hours,” it said.

Sunny and dry conditions are anticipated over Rivers and the northern region throughout the forecast period on Tuesday.

According to NiMet, North central cities are also expected to experience sunny and dry conditions throughout the forecast hours.

“Partly cloudy and sunny conditions are anticipated over the inland while partly cloudy to cloudy conditions should prevail over the coast during the morning hours.

“There are chances of few thunderstorms over parts Cross River and Rivers state in the afternoon and evening period.

It forecasts dust haze conditions over River, Lagos, Ogun while envisaged sunny and hazy conditions over the North central region within the forecast period on Wednesday.

NiMet further forecast partly cloudy to sunny conditions over the inland cities throughout the forecast hours.
“Partly cloudy to cloudy skies are envisaged over coastal cities of the South throughout forecast period with chances of isolated thunderstorms over Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers during morning hours.

December 6, 2020
NiMet predicts sunny, hazy conditions for Tuesday, Wednesday

The Nigerian Meteological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunny and hazy conditions over Northern region with possibilities of isolated cases of thunderstorms over central region down to coastal cities.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Monday in Abuja forecast sunny and hazy conditions over the north throughout the forecast period on Tuesday.

According to it, isolated thunderstorms are likely over Yola, Jos and Abuja during the afternoon/evening hours.

“Southern states will experience morning thunderstorms over Lagos, Ijebu-Ode, Calabar and Yenegoa axis.

“There are chances of isolated thunderstorms over the coastal belt, Enugu, Abakaliki and Obudu during the afternoon/evening hours,” it said.

NiMet envisaged sunny and hazy atmosphere over northern parts of the country on Wednesday with partly cloudy to sunny conditions over central cities in the morning hours with chances of isolated thunderstorm during evening hours.

It predicted partly cloudy to cloudy conditions over the inland in the morning with chances of thunderstorms during the afternoon/evening hours.

“Lagos is to experience thunderstorms in the morning hours with more prospects of thunderstorms over the coast during the afternoon/evening period,” it said.

March 10, 2020
Jos residents lament biting cold, spend more hours indoors

Residents of Jos are lamenting the prevailing biting cold that has befallen the city, saying the weather condition is disrupting their routine activities.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that temperature in the town has dropped to an average of 11 degrees Celsius in the evening, but rises to about 19 degrees in the afternoon.

Some of the residents complained that the cold weather had disrupted their routine activities as they spent longer hours indoors.

Mr John Emeka, a student, said it was difficult for him getting out of bed and preparing for his outings.

“As you can see , I am wearing a sweater and a very thick jacket and also tying a scarf on my head , hand gloves and socks to keep myself warm, having stayed indoors for many hours, ‘’ Emeka said.

Similarly, Mrs Annette Akpan, said she resorted to wearing “cold breakers” to shield herself from the adverse weather and advised fellow residents to do likewise so as not to break down.

Mrs Ngozi Peters, a trader at Terminus market, said the inclement weather had compelled her to open her shop late in the morning.

“This cold is too severe and that is why I stay indoors for many hours before setting out to the market; my health first before any other thing,” Peters said.

NAN reports that the cold weather had pushed prices of second hand sweaters and jackets with the materials selling for between N2000 and N2500, as against N500 and N600, respectively.

Musa Adamu, a dealer in second-hand sweaters, blamed the price increase on the high demand for the wears because of the cold

January 2, 2020
Cloudy, sunny, dust hazy weather to prevail on Sunday – NiMet

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has predicted cloudy to partly cloudy, sunny and dust haze weather conditions with localised thunderstorms over most parts of the country on Sunday.

NiMet’s Weather Outlook on Saturday, in Abuja, predicted partly cloudy to cloudy conditions over the Central states in the morning and afternoon periods.

It also predicted prospects of localised thunderstorm over Abuja, Lokoja and Makurdi axies in the afternoon and evening with day and night temperatures of 30 to 41 and 21 to 28 degrees Celsius.

The agency predicted that Northern States would experience partly cloudy to sunny conditions with day and night temperatures of 38 to 43 and 21 to 25 degrees Celsius.

According to NiMet, Southern States will experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions over the inland cities and cloudy conditions over the coastal axis during the morning hours.

“In the afternoon and evening hours, scattered thunderstorms are likely over Enugu, mabilla plateau, Ijebu-ode, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ogoja, Ikom, Obudu and the coastal axis with day and night temperatures of 32 to 36 and 21 to 25 degrees Celsius.

“The northern cities are expected to be in partly cloudy to sunny conditions.

“Partly cloudy to cloudy conditions are expected to prevail over the Central states with localized thunderstorm conditions in the afternoon and evening hours(7,” NiMet predicted.

April 21, 2019
NiMet predicts cloudy, dust haze weather for Saturday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted partly cloudy to cloudy weather conditions over the Central States of the country on Saturday morning.

NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Friday also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 34 to 38 and 19 to 25 degrees celsius.

It added that there were chances of localised thunderstorm over Abuja, Yola, Jos, Lafia, Bida, and Jalingo during afternoon and evening hours.

The agency predicted that the southern States would experience cloudy conditions with chances of isolated thunderstorms over Calabar, Port Harcourt and Eket in the morning hours.

It also predicted scattered thunderstorms over Oshogbo, Akure, Ijebu-Ode, Lagos, Awka, Enugu, Abakaliki, Portharcourt, Calabar and Eket with day and night temperatures of 30 to 37 and 22 to 26 degrees celsius.

According to NiMet, Northern States will experience dust haze conditions over the extreme north during the forecast period with day and night temperatures in the ranges of 39 to 42 and 21 to 25 degrees celsius.

“Improvement in visibility is anticipated with prospects of rainfall activities over some parts of central and Southern states in the next 24 hours,” NiMet predicts.

NAN

April 6, 2018
NiMet forecast hazy, cloudy skies, rain showers for Monday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted hazy conditions over the central States of the county on Monday.

NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Sunday also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 25 to 34 and 7 to 17 degrees Celsius respectively.

The agency predicted that the southern States would experience partly cloudy sky to sunny conditions over the inland cities with cloudy to partly cloudy morning over coastal cities.

It also predicted prospect of localised rain showers over Lagos, Ibadan and Osogbo in the afternoon with day and night temperatures in the range of 32 to 34 and 15 to 24 degrees Celsius respectively.

According to NiMet, Northern States will experience dust haze conditions with visibility range of about two to five kilometres throughout the forecast period.

“The region is also expected to experience day and night temperatures in the range of 26 to 29 and 10 to 13 degrees Celsius respectively.

“The dust in suspension around the country is expected to reduce visibilities across the northern states while the central cities are anticipated to be in hazy conditions.

“The moisture influx is expected to give partly cloudy sky to the southern cities with chances of localised rain showers over Lagos, Ibadan and Osogbo axis within the next 24 hours’’, NiMet predicted.

January 7, 2018
Bad weather: FRSC urges motorists to be more cautious

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists to drive more cautiously due to the change in weather conditions in most parts of the country.Mr Bisi Kazeem, the corps Public Education Officer, issued the advice in a statement on Sunday.

The NewsGuru reports that the southern parts of the country are currently experiencing shades of cloudy and foggy conditions.
In the northern and central states, the weather is partly sunny and hazy during the morning hours with dust haze conditions in the evenings.

Kazeem warned that visibility had reduced as a result, hence the need for motorists to be more careful.“It is imperative for motorists to drive carefully, and to be mindful of their blind-spots while overtaking. He also advised them to maintain decent speed during the period.

“They should put on headlights and tail lights for proper visibility due to the foggy weather so as to see and be seen. “Most parts of the country are affected with more critical situations around the northern axis,” he said.

Kazeem noted that following the prescribed speed limit, the current period was no longer necessary as motorists would not be able to see far ahead nor notice obstructions .

He quoted the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, as saying that this is the time for vehicles to equally meet the minimum safety standards.

Oyeyemi urged motorists to ensure that the wipers, head and rear lights, braking systems and engines of their vehicles were in sound conditions, according to Kazeem.

TNG reports that there have been delays and cancellations of flights by airlines due to bad weather, leaving many passengers stranded.

December 11, 2017