Residents of Kano metropolis on Saturday woke up to a thick blanket of dust accompanied by biting cold weather, forcing many to remain indoors and disrupting normal economic activities across the city, Agro Climate News reports.
Major roads, usually busy during the early hours of the day, appeared unusually quiet, while several markets, shops, and business centres opened later than usual as traders and commuters struggled to cope with the harsh weather conditions.
A visit by newsmen to parts of the city, including Kurna, Tarauni, Hotoro, Kofar Ruwa, and Zoo Road, revealed reduced vehicular movement and poor visibility caused by dust-laden winds blowing across the metropolis.
The dust and heavy winds reportedly extended to the outskirts of the city and neighbouring states, restricting the smooth movement of vehicles along highways. Many air and road travellers expressed concern over potential disruptions to their schedules.
Residents, particularly parents and people with underlying health conditions, said they deliberately avoided early morning movement to protect themselves from the cold and dusty atmosphere.
“I kept my children indoors this morning because the weather is too cold and dusty. You can feel it in your chest once you step outside,” said Malam Aisha Abdullahi, a resident of Kurna. “Even going to work early was difficult.”
Asthmatic patients and people with respiratory challenges expressed greater concern, describing the condition as dangerous to their health.
“For people like us living with asthma, this kind of weather is very risky,” said Khadija Yakubu, an asthmatic patient in Hotoro. “Once I inhale too much dust, I start struggling to breathe. I had to stay indoors and use my inhaler.”
Abdullahi Sani, a commercial tricycle operator from Yarmatse, noted that the weather affected his livelihood. “Normally, by 6 a.m., the road is busy, but today there were few passengers. Many people didn’t come out early because of the cold,” he said.
Health experts have warned that dusty and cold weather conditions, common during the harmattan season, can trigger asthma attacks, cough, catarrh, chest infections, and eye irritation if adequate precautions are not taken.
Abdulshakur Abdulmumin, a public health expert, advised residents to wear face masks when outdoors, avoid unnecessary exposure to dust, drink plenty of water, and ensure that children and the elderly are well protected with warm clothing.
“People with asthma or respiratory illnesses should strictly limit outdoor activities during dusty periods and always keep their medications close,” he added.
Agricultural and climate experts also cautioned farmers to protect livestock from extreme cold and dust, noting that such conditions could lead to stress, reduced productivity, and increased vulnerability to diseases among animals.
Meteorologists explained that the weather is caused by dry, dusty winds blowing from the Sahara Desert, a seasonal phenomenon expected to persist in the coming days.
Residents have been urged to follow weather updates, take health precautions, and seek medical attention when experiencing breathing difficulties or other weather-related symptoms.
