Is there harmattan in Lagos?

Known as the harmattan, it comes with its own aura and many prefer it to the cold and hot weather. Though most people opine that the harmattan is a season that occurs each year but indeed, the harmattan is a hot, dry and dusty wind (continental trade wind) blowing over West Africa.

Does Nigeria have harmattan?

Some parts of Nigeria experience harmattan than others. The Northern part of Nigeria is more affected by Harmattan due to their closeness to the Sahara Desert where the dry and dusty trade winds originate. Northern states like Kano, Yobe, Plateau, and Nasarawa would embrace the biting cold in the early of the day.

Is harmattan a season in Nigeria?

In view of the serious portent, it is high time Nigeria becomes more proactive. Annually, the seasonal harmattan phenomenon begins from late December, peaks in mid January and wanes by end of February. Dust haze normally envelopes the entire country’s skyline, forming a thick blanket of fluffy, fine airborne particles.

Why is it so hot in Lagos?

Lagos has a tropical climate which means it is almost always hot (mean temperature 27 degrees celcius), and although it can rain all year round most of the rain comes in torrential storms throughout the summer months.

What is the cause of Harmattan?

The Harmattan blows during the dry season, which occurs during the months with the lowest sun. In this season the subtropical ridge of high pressure stays over the central Sahara and the low-pressure Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) stays over the Gulf of Guinea.

Is winter the same as harmattan?

The harmattan season differs from winter because it is characterized by cold–dry wind, heavy dust-laden particles, and wide fluctuations in day and night ambient temperatures (AT).

Is harmattan same as winter?

Why is harmattan called Doctor?

The Harmattan blows during the dry season, which occurs during the months with the lowest sun. On its passage over the Sahara, the harmattan picks up fine dust and sand particles (between 0.5 and 10 microns). It is also known as the “doctor wind”, because of its invigorating dryness compared with humid tropical air.

Where is the harmattan found?

northwestern Africa
The harmattan is a trade wind strengthened by a low-pressure centre over the north coast of the Gulf of Guinea and a high-pressure centre located over northwestern Africa in winter and over the adjacent Atlantic Ocean during other seasons.

Does Nigeria have winter?

The climate of Nigeria is usually characterized into 2 seasons – the Wet and Dry. The wet season (summer) is normally from April to October while the dry season (winter) is from November to March.

Does Nigeria have winter season?

Does Harmattan occur in Nigeria?

In some parts of Nigeria, such as Lagos, harmattan can hardly be felt during these periods. However, in places closer to the Sahara/Gulf of Guinea which are in the direction of the wind, harmattan effects can be quite severe.

What are the effects of Harmattan?

However, in places closer to the Sahara/Gulf of Guinea which are in the direction of the wind, harmattan effects can be quite severe. For many states, harmattan is characterised by very cold temperatures, especially in the mornings/nights and very hot weather in the afternoons. The humidity also drops really low and the air is dusty.

How to stay safe during Harmattan?

Fires tend to get aggravated during harmattan. Avoid burning indiscriminately and if you have to burn anything, make sure it is attended and well monitored. Most fire accidents happen in this season because everywhere is dry and the fire can travel easily without restrictions.