NiMet, Experts Warn of Health Risks as Harsh Harmattan Hits Kano

By Tgnews Reporter

Residents of Kano State are grappling with an intense harmattan season that has brought unusually cold, dusty, and foggy conditions, severely impacting public health; particularly for those with respiratory issues and slowing down daily economic activities.

The harsh weather, which intensified starting last Saturday, features dense fog, dust-laden winds, and biting cold, making it difficult for many to breathe and prompting vulnerable individuals to stay indoors.

Asthma patients and others with chronic respiratory conditions report worsened symptoms, including breathing difficulties and fear of attacks.

Rukayya Bello, a journalist living with asthma, shared her ordeal: “In my line of work, I am used to going out to the field to report and spending most days at the office. But with this weather, I fear I might have an asthma attack. I have been on sick leave for three days now, and even at that, I am not 100 percent healthy.”

Similar accounts come from other residents, like Amina Sadiq, who noted that the dusty air exacerbates her condition: “For people like us with asthma, this kind of weather is very dangerous. Once I inhale too much dust, I start struggling to breathe, so I prefer to stay indoors until it clears.”

The economic toll is evident across the metropolis. Commercial tricycle (keke) operator Musa Abdullahi described reduced passenger turnout in the early mornings: “By 6am, the roads are usually busy, but now everywhere is quiet. Many people don’t come out early because of the cold, and that affects our daily income.”

Major roads remain unusually calm during peak hours, while markets, shops, and businesses open later than normal. Poor visibility from the thick fog has also raised safety concerns for motorists and commuters.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) issued an advisory on Tuesday, urging caution. The agency highlighted that thick dust haze is affecting Kano and other northern states, reducing horizontal visibility to 1,000 metres or less.

NiMet advised residents especially those with asthma and respiratory conditions to take health precautions, as dust particles remain suspended in the air. It further recommended that motorists drive carefully and airline operators consult airport-specific weather reports.

Experts attribute the severity to a delayed onset of the harmattan this year. Umar Saleh Anka, Director of Climate Change at the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, explained in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST: “The unusually cold and foggy weather we are experiencing in Kano is closely connected to the delayed arrival of harmattan this year. When Harmattan eventually sets in, it brings dry air, dust particles, low humidity and a sharp drop in temperature, which creates hazy and fog-like conditions, especially in the mornings and evenings. Together, these factors intensify foggy conditions and irritate the airways.”

Anka noted that the typical pattern of warm afternoons followed by very cold mornings results from rapid heat loss at night under clear, dry skies. He warned that this year’s conditions are particularly challenging due to lingering moisture from earlier rains combining with dust, making the air more irritating.

“Low temperatures, dry air and airborne dust are known to worsen asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses,” Anka said. “This mix of cold, dryness, and dust can be especially uncomfortable and may trigger health episodes if not carefully managed,” particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, asthmatics, and those with bronchitis.

Health experts broadly warn that harmattan conditions can trigger or aggravate issues like cough, catarrh, chest infections, and eye irritation. Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, use protective masks or scarves, moisturize skin, and keep inhalers handy for those with asthma.

As the season persists, authorities urge Kano residents to heed NiMet’s warnings, prioritize health precautions, and exercise caution on the roads to minimize risks during this delayed but intense harmattan period.