NiMet forecasts prolonged heatwave across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a prolonged heatwave across the country in the coming days.

In its weather outlook released on Wednesday, the agency said maximum temperature reports across the country were mostly between 38 – 40℃.

NiMet said air temperatures are expected to stay within this band and rise slightly in some locations.

“Maximum temperature reports across the country as at Wednesday 19th February were mostly between 38 – 40℃,” the forecast reads.

“The temperature was at 38℃ in Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu, Awka, Bida, Minna, Gusau, Iseyin and the FCT.

“It was 39℃ in Sokoto, Kebbi, Lokoja, Makurdi, Abakaliki, Ikom, Jalingo and Yola. While it was 40℃ in Yelwa.”

NiMet advised the public to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration, stay in cool or air conditioned areas, wear light and breathable clothes and keep infants well aerated.

“Early morning, day and night temperatures will feel warmer than their real values and create more discomfort,” the agency said.

It noted that “moisture influx and high temperatures will increase the discomfort levels across the country”.

The agency said areas to be most affected include parts of Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Kogi, Oyo, Kwara, Niger, the FCT, and Bayelsa.

Others are Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Osun, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Benue states.