The Nation Newspaper

Tag: weather

  • Nigerians to witness extreme weather conditions, says WMO

    Nigerians to witness extreme weather conditions, says WMO

    The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has said the weather conditions experienced in various parts show the extreme weather conditions the country may face in the coming days.

    The organisation called on Nigerians to be responsive to weather predictions released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

    The WMO representative, Bernard Gomez, stated this in Abuja during the celebration of the 2024 World Meteorological Day with the theme “At the frontline of Climate Action”.

    Gomez said: “This theme recognises the critical stage that we find ourselves with regards to severe weather and climate events caused by climate variability and change and the need for enhanced action to protect lives, property and livelihoods, among others.

    “The recent fluctuations in the weather witnessed in Nigeria, during this transition from dry to rainy season clearly demonstrate the extreme weather events that we can face across the country.

    “The shifting weather phenomena from heat waves, thunderstorms, and thick dust haze happening within a short period are indicative of a changing climate.”

    He called on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to be more vigilant and communities to be responsive to weather forecasts and alerts.

    On the importance of the predictions, he said: “The predictions by NiMet help Nigerians to understand the current state of the planet, predict future trends, and develop mitigation and adaptation strategies.”

    Read Also: MTN, NiMet partner on weather info

    He assured that climate-induced disaster and resilience to climate shocks can be achieved through the implementation of the National Framework for the Application of Climate Services (NFACS) in Nigeria.

    He said: “Resilience to climate shocks can be achieved. The various forecasts and warnings issued by NiMet are just the starting point for this to happen in the entire country.

    “The adoption and implementation of the National Framework for the Application of Climate Services (NFACS) in Nigeria is the next step. An operational NFACS will see every inhabitant of this country provided with accurate and fit-for-purpose weather, water, and climate services.

    “This will not only ensure the safety of lives from climate-related hazards but would enhance socio-economic development and prosperity.”

    The Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike assured Nigerians that through its observation stations, research, and training facilities, the agency will keep striving and innovating to deliver timely and reliable meteorological services to all socio-economic sectors.

    He also emphasised the need for Nigerians to be resilient.

    Anosike said: “Climate change poses an existential threat to our planet, exacerbating extreme weather events, disrupting ecosystems, and endangering vulnerable communities. In the face of these challenges, it has become imperative that we increase our efforts towards building a weather and climate-resilient society, enhance our preparedness for weather-related disasters, and promote sustainable development practices at all levels of government.”

    He also called for sustained awareness and continuous education on climate and climate change-related issues.

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

  • NCAA cautions pilots, airline operators on flights in adverse weather

    PILOTS and airline operators have been warned by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to observe safety precautions in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) during flight operations in adverse weather.

    NCAA spokesman Sam Adurogboye said yesterday in a statement that the warning was contained in an Advisory Circular with reference no. AC: NCAA-AEROMET- 26: to all pilots and airline operators.

    The circular was signed by the authority’s Director-General Captain Muhtar Usman.

    Adurogboye said the circular became imperative as the rainfall cessation will likely herald a long and severe dust haze (Harmattan) in the months ahead.

    He urged pilots to be cautious and uphold Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) while conducting flights during hazardous weather associated with dust haze at this period.

    The statement reads: “This haze comes with – a dry and dusty wind that blows southwards from the Sahara across Nigeria in the months of November to March.

    “Consequently, pilots should note that air-to-ground visibility may be considerably reduced due to the dust haze.

    “In addition, aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minima and in severe conditions; dust haze can blot out runways, the markers and airfield lightings over wide areas. This makes visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible.

    “However, where visibility falls below the prescribed weather minima, flight operations are expected to be delayed, diverted or cancelled.

    “Therefore to reiterate, all Pilots are obliged to exercise maximum restraint especially when severe weather condition is observed or forecasted by NIMET.”

    He said pilots should obtain adequate departure, en route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET prior to flight operations at all the airports.

    Flight crews/operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC), he said should ensure adherence to aerodrome operating minima.

    He said: “Operators are therefore advised to ensure necessary measures are put in place to cushion the effects of flight delays or cancellations on their passengers in accordance with Nig. CARs, Part 19.

    “All passengers are therefore required be patient, understanding and exhibit exemplary conduct during flight delays and cancellations as safety is paramount in flight operations.

    “Similarly, stakeholders are expected to ensure strict compliance with this Advisory Circular as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will view any infraction very seriously.”

  • Mikel blames weather, long trip for defeat

    The Super Eagles finished their pre-World Cup friendlies with three defeats, losing to European opponents Serbia, England and Czech Republic.

    Losing 1-0 in Wednesday friendly was a big blow to Gernot Rohr’s men as it meant they will be lacking confidence before their World Cup opener against Croatia next week.

    Super Eagles captain Obi Mikel has revealed that their latest defeat was due to two factors : the inclement weather during the game and the long journey from their training camp in Bad Tatzmannsdorf to Schwechat.

    German-based Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba, who spoke to Mikel, told allnigeriasoccer.com: ”Mikel complained about the long trip to the stadium and the bad weather. It took them one and half hours before they got to the match venue.”

    The Super Eagles trained on Thursday morning and in the evening, those who started Thursday’s game had a workout on the side while the rest of the players trained normally and ended the session with a practice game.

    Kelechi Iheanacho, Kenneth Omeruo, Ahmed Musa and Eddy Onazi were the outstanding players on Friday morning session.

  • NiMet predicts cloudy, sunny weather

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

    NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja yesterday also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 34 to 39 and 19 to 27 degrees Celsius respectively.

    It added that there were chances of localised thunderstorms over Abuja, Mambilla Plateau, Jalingo, Ibi, Kaduna, Lokoja and their environs during the afternoon and evening hours.

    The agency predicted that the southern States would experience cloudy morning over the inland and coastal cities with day and night temperatures in the range of 32 to 37 and 21 to 26 degrees Celsius respectively.

    It also predicted chances of localised thunderstorms over Ikom, Ado-Ekiti, Osogbo, Ikeja, Awka, Calabar, Portharcourt and its environs in the afternoon and evening hours.

    According to NiMet, Northern States will experience partly cloudy to sunny conditions throughout the forecast period with day and night temperatures in the ranges of 38 to 42 and 20 to 29 degrees Celsius respectively.

    “Partly cloudy conditions are expected over the northwest with dust haze condition over the northeast during the morning hours.

    “Visibility is expected to improve over the northeast in haziness during the afternoon and evening hours with day and night temperatures of 38 to 42 and 20 to 23 degrees Celsius respectively.

    “With the Inter Tropical Divide (ITD) slightly above the northwestern states, this is expected to aid more cloud developments over the country.

    “There are chances of thunderstorms over some cities in the central, inland and coastal regions within the next 24 hours,” NiMet predicts.

  • NiMet predicts partly cloudy weather, isolated rains

    The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted partly cloudy to cloudy weather conditions over the central states this morning.

    NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja yesterday also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 31 to 40 and 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

    It added that chances of isolated rain showers are expected over Abuja, Jos, Lokoja and environs during the afternoon and evening.

    The agency predicted that the southern states will experience cloudy morning with day and night temperatures in the range of 33 to 37 and 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

    It also predicted that localised thunderstorms are anticipated over Iseyin, Shaki, Akure, Oshogbo, Benin, Enugu, Owerri, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Eket and its environs during the afternoon and evening.

    According to NiMet, northern states will experience partly cloudy conditions over most parts of the Northwest with chances of thundery activity over Yelwa axis.

    It further predicted sunny conditions over most parts of the Northeast during the forecast period with day and night temperatures of 37 to 40 and 15 to 23 degrees Celsius.

    “The Inter Tropical Divide (ITD) is around latitude 12°N, keeping most parts of the country under the influence of moist winds.

    “The Northwestern part of the country is likely to be partly cloudy with chances of isolated thundery activity over Yelwa axis, while the northeastern part of the country is expected to be sunny.

    “Isolated rain showers are probable over the high ground areas of the central states, while isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over some parts of the southern cities within the next 24 hours,” NiMet predicted.

     

  • NiMet: expect dust haze, cloudy weather today

    NiMet: expect dust haze, cloudy weather today

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze weather conditions with visibility range of two to five kilometres over the Central States of the country today.

    NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on yesterday, also predicted day and night temperature in the range of 25 to 34 and 9 to 20 degrees Celsius respectively.

    The agency predicted that the Southern States would experience dust haze conditions in visibility range of two to five kilometres over the inland cities and two to five kilometres over the coastal cities.

    It also predicted cloudy skies over Calabar and Eket in the afternoon and evening hours 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 one to three kilometres and localised visibility of less than 1000m in some places throughout the forecast period.

    “The northern cities will also experience day and night temperatures in the range of 26 to 33 and 10 to 15 degrees Celsius respectively.

    “The particles of dust in suspension around the country are expected to still reduce visibilities across the northern states to about one to three kilometres,” NiMet predicted.

     

  • NCAA reviews weather minima for 18 airports

    NCAA reviews weather minima for 18 airports

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in conjunction with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has carried out a review of Aerodrome Operating Weather Minima for 18 airports in Nigeria.

    The NCAA which  made this on Wednesday in a statement issued by its General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye, listed the 18 aerodromes where the operating minima and takeoff minima have been reviewed are, Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt,Calabar,Dutse, Eket and Enugu.

    Others are Gombe, Ilorin, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Owerri, Sokoto, Uyo, Yola and Zaria.

    Adurogboye said the review was in compliance with the provision of Part 8 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs Part 8) as well as International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Doc.9365.

    He said in the review, the Regulatory Authority took cognisance of improvements in visual and navigational aids within the affected airports, stating that the reviewed Aerodrome Operating Minima will enhance the operating capacity of the aerodromes.

    Adurogboye said the review became necessary because it will avail  operators  improved minima for low visibility operations.

    According to the review, the landing minima specified for all the 18 (Eighteen) airports was determined based on applicable criteria, as defined in the ICAO PANS-OPS Doc. 8168, Doc.9365.

    He said: “These include all relevant amendments, as well as available navigational facilities (ILS,VOR/DME, etc) or PBN Navigational Specification (RNAV/GNSS).

    “On the other hand, the reviewed operating minima provided for a performance based Takeoff minima for the affectedaerodromes in Nigeria is determined by available visual aids for takeoff. These are Runway Centre Lights, Touchdown Zone lights, Runway Edge Lights, Threshold Lights, Runway End Lights and Runway Surface Markings.”

    He said the  last time weather minima were actually reviewed was in 1983.  Said he : “ However, a semblance of revision undertaken in 1993 only stated that the takeoff minima shall be equal or greater than landing minima at all airports. This is to allow for an air return to the same airport should there arise an emergency.

    “However, this present review allows for takeoffas low as 150 metres Runway Visual Range (RVR). While some airports in the country with Category Two Instrument Landing Systems (ILS Cat II) can permit landing with 300 metres Runway Visual Range (RVR).

    “Before this review, the lowest visibility with Category Two ILS in the nation’s airports was 800 metres/550 RVR (Runway Visual Range).

    “Based on the review, the following airports now have ILS Cat II Approach and Landing Minima, Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Ilorin, Gombe, Owerri, Sokoto, Uyo, Yola, Dutse, Calabar and Enugu.

    “Therefore, the implementation of these revised aerodrome operating minima (both takeoff and landing) shall be based on compliance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures for Low Visibility Operations at the affected airports. This is executed by Flight Crew, Air Traffic Controllers (ATC), Aerodrome Operators and the Meteorological Agency.”

    To ensure the seamless operation of these revised minima, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) shall continue to ensure prompt and regular provision of required meteorological information.

    The statement reads: “These will include flight visibility and Runway Visual Range (RVR) values to all ATC units in the airports. Thus NiMET and NAMA shall ensure constant updating of the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) with the available RVR values as appropriate.

    “All airlines, Aerodrome Operators and Air Navigation Service Providers are required to ensure adequate training of their personnel and flight crew that would be involved in low visibility operations.

    “The Air Navigation service provider is expected to ensure regular flight calibration of all available navigational aids. This is to ensure safe and efficient flight operations, especially during low visibility operations.

    “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will continue to provide a proactive regulatory oversight that will ensure safety and security of all flight operations.

    “With this review, the Regulatory Authority has provided a pragmatic solution to the incessant flight delays and cancellations occasioned by inclement weather. It is expected that passengers can now heave a sigh of relief as their travel plans will now be in real time.”

  • Airlines cancel more flights over bad weather

    Domestic airlines on Thursday canceled more flights over poor visibility on major routes from Lagos  and Abuja into Enugu, Calabar and  Benin.

    Arising from the bad weather airplanes scheduled to fly from Abuja and Lagos into airports in South Eastern and South South routes could not leave their aerodromes on account of en route weather indicating less than 800 meters, the minimum prescribed by regulatory authorities.

    Investigations by The Nation revealed that many passengers remained stranded at airports nationwide as airlines oscillated from delayed , rescheduled to cancelled flights .

    At the Lagos Airport general aviation terminal one, hundreds of passengers remained stranded for hours awaiting when airlines will announce their scheduled flights.

    Same sour experience prevailed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two , Lagos where airlines continue to either cancel or reschedule flights.

  • Airlines count losses as bad weather disrupts flights nationwide

    Airlines count losses as bad weather disrupts flights nationwide

    Inclement weather occasioned by the harmattan haze has forced many domestic carriers to cancel flights from the Lagos Airport into Port Harcourt, Enugu, Calabar, Uyo, Benin, Warri, Asaba , Ibadan and Ilorin.

    The harmattan haze resulting in poor visibility is preventing airlines from operating flights into airports less than 800 meters approved weather minima by aviation regulatory agencies.

    Airports in South South and South East are worst hit by the inclement weather. Airlines are losing revenue.

    Air Peace and Arik Air, the biggest operators by volume of flights, are hugely affected.

    Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager Mr Christian Iwarah told The Nation that the airline was badly affected by the weather; it cancelled six flights on Wednesday.

    Iwarah said the cancellation of flights into Benin, Calabar, Uyo, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Akure has hugely complicated its schedules with the attendant revenue loss and fidelity to on time performance.

    He said most passengers have refused to show understanding that the delays and cancellations are beyond the airlines but forces of nature.

    He said :” The inclement weather is seriously affected our operations . We have no choice but to either delay or cancel some flights because we will not fly into any airport below the approved weather minima.

    “This is forcing us to lose money and our name because passengers will not understand . This could even force some passengers to attack our staff, we think the relevant security agencies should provide security for our workers and equipment .

    “Whatever has happened, we are Lodi g heavily on all sides. How do we handle the backlog of passengers, issues about refund and other challenges.”

    He said airline only operated flights today into Lagos , Accra, Owerri, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

    On his part, Arik spokesman, Ola Adebanji said the airline could not operate flights into Asaba, Benin, Warri , Ilorin and Ibadan.

    He said :” This poor visibility is impacting negatively on our flights because the airline is loosing revenue.”

    DANA Air spokesman Kingsley Ezenwa said though the airline operated flights , but it had to monitor the prevailing weather that it meets the prescribed minima.

    He said: “Though DANA Air did not cancel any flights, but we experienced a lot of delays .”

    Investigations reveal that many passengers remain stranded at airports waiting airlines to announce boarding for flights.

    Some domestic and international airlines yesterday delayed or cancelled flights at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, due to adverse weather conditions.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the affected flights involved Air Peace, Dana Air, Arik Air, Azman and Air France.

    NAN reports that the affected cities are Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu and where both out-bound and in-bound passengers are currently stranded nationwide.

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had on Tuesday predicted that dust haze weather conditions in horizontal visibility range of one to three kilometres would prevail over most parts of the county on Wednesday.

    NiMet also predicted a reduced localised visibility of less than 1000m over many cities throughout the forecast period.

    When NAN visited the airport yesterday, there were series of flight announcements on either cancellation or delay of different flights.

    At about 10 a.m. it was announced that Dana flight to Port Harcourt had been cancelled due to prevailing bad weather conditions across the country.

  • NiMet predicts sunny, hazy, cloudy weather for Sunday

    NiMet predicts sunny, hazy, cloudy weather for Sunday

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunny and hazy weather conditions over the Central States of the Country on Sunday.

    NiMet Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office (CFO) on Saturday in Abuja, also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 29 to 38 and 14 to 23 degrees Celsius respectively.

    The agency predicted that the Southern states would experience partly cloudy conditions over some inland cities during the forecast period with cloudy conditions over the coastal cities during the morning hours.

    It also predicted isolated thunderstorms over Eket, Calabar, Yenagoa and port-Harcourt during the afternoon and evening hours with day and night temperatures ranging from 29 to 35 and 20 to 26 degrees Celsius respectively.

    According to NiMet, Northern states will experience sunny and hazy conditions during the forecast period with day and night temperatures in the range of 33 to 38 and 15 to 23 degrees Celsius respectively.

    “Sunny and Hazy conditions are anticipated over the entire northern cities down to the central with prospects of localised thunderstorms over some parts of the coastal cities within the next 24 hours,” NiMet predicted.