The Nigerian Civil Aviation authority NCAA has cautioned pilots and airline operators to be weary of inclement hazardous weather conditions in the dry season.
This was contained in a release by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency NIMET on weather, advising the public on the possibility of poor visibility as a result of observed dust haze.
The climatic condition, according to the NCAA is propagated into the country from the Northern parts, which it described as the – Source Region.
The release further stated that, “Winds over 10m and 925hPha are favorable for Dust-Haze propagations into the Northern parts of the country.
Stations in the source region, Niger (Goure, Zinder, Maine-Soroa, Diffa, N-Guigmi and 61091 and horizontal visibility between 800m and 6000m.”
These sources from Chad, the NCAA said are expected to report poor horizontal visibility in the next 24hrs, based on available models.
Due to strong winds, the dust in suspension.
The NCAA also disclosed that it is expected to propagate to some states in the northern parts of the country, which will further reduce horizontal visibility especially over Katsina, Kano, Nguru, Jigawa, Potiskum and Maiduguri in the next 24hours.
The NCAA said :” This information 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.
So members of the general public are to take necessary precaution during this time in the planning of their trips so as not to encounter unnecessary flight delays.
The NCAA however cautioned :” All pilots, operators and air traffic controllers are obliged to abide by these safety requirements including; Closure of the airspace by Air Traffic Controllers when any of these conditions in are observed or forecast by NIMET.
“Strict adherence to published aerodrome weather minima by Flight Crews/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC).
” 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.
” Operators shall ensure that all necessary measures are put in place to cushion the effects of delay or cancellations on their passengers.”
About The Author
