Nigeria’s official weather forecasting authority, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has projected a combination of haze, sunshine, and isolated thunderstorms across different parts of the country over a three-day period, beginning from Wednesday, January 7, 2026, to Friday, January 9, 2026.
In its latest weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital, the agency explained that atmospheric conditions would vary significantly across Nigeria’s northern, central, and southern regions during the forecast window.
According to NiMet, the northern region of Nigeria, which includes states across the Sahel and Sudan savannah zones, is expected to experience predominantly sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period. The agency noted that dust particles suspended in the atmosphere would reduce visibility at certain times, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
Meanwhile, the southern region of Nigeria, which spans the coastal and rainforest zones, is projected to witness sunny skies with patches of cloud cover, particularly during the morning hours. NiMet stated that there are chances of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall later in the day over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, all located in southern Nigeria.
Providing a breakdown for Thursday, the agency said, “Sunny and hazy skies are expected over the northern and central regions during the forecast period, while sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the southern region.” It further disclosed that thunderstorms with light rainfall are likely during the morning hours in parts of Ogun, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.
Later in the day on Thursday, NiMet added that thunderstorms could develop over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Imo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa states, reflecting increased atmospheric instability across southern Nigeria.
Looking ahead to Friday, the agency projected that the northern region would continue to experience sunny and hazy conditions during the morning, with dust haze becoming more pronounced in the afternoon and evening periods. The central region of Nigeria is also expected to record sunny and hazy skies throughout the day.
NiMet further explained that the southern region would likely see cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine in the morning, alongside isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall over parts of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states.
Okay News reports that the agency raised health and safety concerns, especially for residents vulnerable to poor air quality. “Dust particles are in suspension over the North Central region; the public should take necessary precaution,” NiMet warned.
The agency specifically advised people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions to remain cautious due to the prevailing weather conditions. It also urged motorists to drive carefully during rainfall, while advising airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to support effective flight planning.
Finally, NiMet encouraged Nigerians to stay informed by following regular weather updates through its official communication channels and website.
