Tag: NIMET

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and thunderstorm from Thursday to Saturday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Wednesday in Abuja, forecasts sunny skies on Thursday with few patches of clouds over the northern region with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba  during the afternoon and evening hours.

According to NiMet, cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are expected over the North central region with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Kogi and Benue.

“The southern region of the country will be predominantly cloudy with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected across the entire region.

“For Friday, sunny skies with few patches of clouds are expected over the northern region during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Taraba state.

“The North central region is expected to be cloudy with spells of sunshine during the morning periods.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Kwara, Benue, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory.

“The Southern region is expected to be mainly cloudy with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers,”it said.

The agency predicted isolated thunderstorms over parts of Ondo, Enugu, Imo, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa and Cross River later in the day.

According to NiMet, sunny skies with few cloud patches are expected over the northern region on Saturday with prospects of afternoon, and evening thunderstorms over parts of Taraba state.

Read Also: NiMet to Nigerians: brace for heat stress

It envisaged cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine over the North central region with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa and Kwara  later in the day.

“The southern region would  be cloudy with intervals of sunshine while isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom  during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over most parts of the region.

“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution.

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

(NAN)

• Sunstroke, exhaustion, muscle cramps likely in states

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of likely heat stress across the country.

In a weather alert accompanied by a pictorial representation of the map of the country marked with five different colours, the agency indicated the degree of the heat stress.

Kano, Gombe, Sokoto, Yobe, and about eight other states in the North were advised to take action because of the extreme danger of the harsh weather, which could lead to sunstroke.

Sunstroke is a “serious condition that happens when someone has been in the sun too long and that causes a person to stop sweating, have a very high body temperature and become exhausted or unconscious”.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, Kwara, Niger, Kogi and a few other states were advised to prepare as the heat stress could lead to muscle cramps, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion.

The agency also advised those in Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, and Osun states to be extremely cautious as the weather could lead to muscle cramps, heatstroke (the most serious heat-related illness that occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature) and heat exhaustion.

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NiMet said the forecast is only valid for today (Friday, April 5).

To cope with the heat, NiMet advised residents in the states that could be affected to: “Drink lots of water, as much as possible, find air-conditioned places to cool off, do not leave kids in a closed or parked vehicle, for the outdoors, use a hat and sunshades and keep infants well-aerated and hydrated.

“Wear light, breathable clothing to reduce the effect of high temperatures, reduce strenuous physical activity during peak heat hours (stay indoors as much as possible between 12 noon and 4 a.m.).”

The agency added that public awareness campaigns and education about heat stress risks and preventive measures were essential.

It explained that heat stress is the product of so many factors: humidity, sun, wind (ventilation), hydration, clothing, and physical fitness.

NiMet expressed hope that rainfall in some parts of the South may temporarily reduce the temperatures.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of likely heat stress across the country.

The agency in the weather alert accompanied by a pictorial representation of the map of the country marked with five different colours indicated the degree of the heat stress.

Kano, Gombe, Sokoto, Yobe and about eight other States in the north were advised to take action because of the extreme danger of the harsh weather which could lead to sunstroke.

Kaduna, Kwara, FCT, Niger, Kogi and a few other States were advised to prepare as the heat stress could lead to muscle cramps, heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

Read Also: NiMet unveils new website

The agency also advised those in Ado-Ekiti, Akwa-Ibom, Ondo and Osun to be extremely cautious as the weather could lead to muscle cramps, heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

NiMet however noted that the forecast was only valid for Friday, 5th April.

To cope with the heat, NiMet advised residents in the States that could be affected to: “Drink lots of water, as much as possible, find air-conditioned places to cool off, do not leave kids in a closed, parked vehicle, for the outdoors, use a hat and sunshades, and keep infants well-aerated and hydrated.

“Wear light, breathable clothing to reduce the effect of high temperatures, reduce strenuous physical activity during peak heat hours (Stay indoors as much as possible between 12:00 noon and 4:00 )”.

It added that public awareness campaigns and education about heat stress risks and preventive measures were essential.

The agency however stated that heat stress is the product of so many factors; humidity, sun, wind (ventilation), hydration, clothing and physical fitness.

It expressed hope that rainfall in some parts of the south may temporarily reduce the temperatures.

• Agency, WMO mark World Meteorological Day

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has said meteorology plays an important role in building a sustainable, developed society.

nosike spoke suring the commemoration of this year’s World Meteorological Day yesterday in Abuja.

The event was organised by the agency and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

Anosike said the agency commemorated the day ahead of the usual March 23 to ensure effective participation of youths and other stakeholders. March 23 is Saturday when students will be at home.

Anosike stressed the significance of meteorology in building a sustainable, developed society through accurate weather forecasts, mitigating the impacts of natural disasters, as well as building climate resilient societies.

The NiMet boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods across the country.

Read Also: MTN, NiMet partner on weather info

He said it was necessary to double efforts towards building a weather and climate-resilient society in the face of climate change and other extreme weather circumstances.

“We must not relent at encouraging our young minds to build their capacity for meaningful contributions to effective climate actions that is impactful and measurable.

“The lives of future generations are in our hands. Our efforts today will ensure a safer, healthier world for future generations—a world where children thrive in harmony with nature,” Anosike said.

WMO’s Permanent Representative for North, Central and West Africa, Mr. Bernard Gomez, said the shifting weather phenomena from heat waves, thunderstorms, and thick dust haze happening within a short period in Nigeria reflected a changing climate phenomenon.

The WMO chief said NiMet needed to make concerted efforts to be more vigilant and for communities to be responsive to weather forecasts and alerts. 

He urged all stakeholders to work together to leverage the power of weather and climate information for a more sustainable future.

The Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Clement Onyeaso Nze, said: “NiMet has been a very good partner to NIHSA, providing data for NIHSA to do its work.

“We appreciate NiMet for all they do for the country. We will keep on partnering them for the socio-economic development of the country. Meteorology is a very serious business which cuts across all sectors.”

States in the Northcentral as well as some other parts in the country are likely to experience delayed rainfall this year, the Federal Government has said.

The government announced the weather forecast through its agency, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The government said a normal onset would likely occur across the northern states with Borno, Abia, and Akwa Ibom states forecasted to have an early onset, compared to their long-term averages.

An early end of the season is predicted in some parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ogun, and Lagos states.

But a late cessation is forecasted to occur over Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ekiti, and parts of Edo, Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, and Kaduna states.

This was part of this year’s weather outlook presented by NiMet at its 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction and unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), yesterday in Abuja.

The report showed that annual rainfall would be below normal over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Kebbi, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Delta, and Bayelsa states, compared to their long-term normal.

But other parts of the country are likely to observe normal to above-normal annual rainfall.

Most parts of the country are expected to experience a shorter length of season, but Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states are likely to experience a longer rainy season when compared with their mean.

Normal to shorter lengths of season are forecasted for other parts of the country, according to the report.

Keyamo urged stakeholders to “evaluate the predictions thoroughly and strategically to build adaptive capacity and resilience against climate variability within your respective sectors”.

He added: “I fully understand the impacts of weather on the aviation industry. Flight safety and efficient air transport operations are hugely dependent on accurate weather forecasts, advisories, and early warnings.

Read Also: NiMet DG hosts NIM president, council members

“Through continuous investments in meteorological weather stations, satellite data, and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP), NiMet has continued to enhance aviation-specific weather services.

“The aviation industry looks forward to continued collaboration with NiMet and the meteorological community to utilise weather information for planning flight operations, aircraft routing, and scheduling, among other applications.

“It is my desire that the content of the document enables policymakers to plan activities, allocate resources effectively, and protect our citizens from the adverse impacts of weather.”

NiMet’s Director General Charles Anosike said the information was fundamental for resource planning, routine operations, and maintenance work management, disaster risk reduction, and investment planning systems.

He said: “I will encourage everyone to take all these predictions, disseminate them and make timely and positive use of them in our various sectors. This is our commitment to ‘facilitating a weather-resilient economy through early warnings for all to foster Renewed Hope and sustainable development’. This should be at the forefront of our planning and economic agenda.”

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology, Akinlade Abiodun, urged NiMet to extend its information service to local farmers and those in the suburbs.

The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Emmanuel Meribole, advised stakeholders to match the early warning predictions of NiMet with corresponding early actions.

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has said bad weather conditions can compromise mining activities.

He said mines and all other activities related to mining are among the most weather-vulnerable industries in the world.

The NiMet boss spoke at a solid minerals conference organised by BusinessDay newspaper yesterday in Abuja.

Presenting a paper, titled: Intersection Between Climate Change Concerns And The Mining Industry – The Role Of NiMet, he said: “Mines and all activities related to mining are some of the most weather-vulnerable industries in the world, as the mines are often located in geographically and climatically challenging locations.

“Weather can and does affect mining operations, posing risks that can compromise workers’ safety and lead to delays and disruption in productivity.

Read Also: NiMet signs MoU on digitalweather, climate intelligence

“As the climate changes, extreme weather events are growing in frequency and bringing challenges to mining safety, productivity and profitability.

“It is, however, interesting to note that the Federal Government is already taking some actions in this regard. According to the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Dele Alake, as quoted in a newspaper story of October 2023, the Federal Government is pursuing diversification from hydrocarbons to make the Minerals sector a major revenue contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as its contribution to mitigate climate change impact.

“Real-time weather forecasts, warnings, and information on climatic conditions are essential for ensuring the safety of operations especially where weather conditions can significantly impact safety. Accurate meteorological data helps in assessing and mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events such as storms, floods, etc.

“This is critical in minimising potential damage to infrastructure and ensure the safety of personnel.”  

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a leading weather intelligence company, Tomorrow.io, based in Boston, Massachusetts, the United States of America (U.S.A).

The MoU with the firm which also has presence across Africa and the Middle East, would see NiMet and the firm collaborate on a whole range of areas including commercialising weather data, improving accuracy of weather and climate forecasts, and application of artificial intelligence (AI) in weather and climate intelligence.

Speaking at the signing ceremony yesterday at agency’s headquarters in Abuja, its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the MoU would help NiMet to actualise the mandate the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), gave it on revenue generation and improved safety of the sector.

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“As an agency, NiMet is already doing a lot. We are always on the lookout for partners that will help us improve and expand on our services. AI and technology are playing leading roles in weather and climate forecasts. This partnership with Tomorrow.io will help us to do more for our various stakeholders across the socio-economic sectors we serve, including aviation, agriculture, marine, oil and gas, construction, academia,” he said.

Tomorrow.io’s Director of Africa Expansion, Mr. Yaniv Gelnik said experience from Kenya and other countries the company serves shows that it is possible to downscale weather and climate information daily to users, especially farmers in usable formats.

This, he said, would help them in planning as they would be able to receive weather intelligence through their mobile handsets  daily, wherever they are and in a language of their choice.

“That’s part of the value proposition that Tomorrow.io is bringing to the partnership with NiMet. AI allows for precise, unique, efficient and faster weather and climate forecasts compared to current systems and models. This will be of immense value to NiMet’s value-chain stakeholders,” he added.