Residents of Kano are reeling under extreme heat as temperatures soar to nearly 40°C between Monday and Tuesday, raising health concerns, especially during the ongoing Ramadan fast.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a Heat Stress Watch, warning that temperatures will remain high throughout the week, with some regions in the North expected to reach a scorching 42°C.
This comes as Muslim faithful enter the second week of Ramadan, making the intense heat even more challenging.
For many residents, the blistering weather has disrupted daily activities. Hasiya Ibrahim, a resident of Kano, described her struggle with the heat, particularly while preparing iftar.
“The blazing heat is seriously affecting my daily activities. My energy is waning, and it’s especially difficult in the evenings when I have to turn on the stove. I have high blood pressure, and this heat is making things more difficult,” she lamented.
Aminu, a tricycle driver, said he had to adjust his working hours to cope with the harsh conditions. “Because of the heat, I only operate in the early morning and evening. Once it is 1 p.m., I park my Adadaita and rest at home. It is affecting my daily income, but my body cannot withstand this hot weather, especially while fasting,” he explained.
Similarly, Hajara Yahaya, a mother of two, recounted how the heat made it impossible for her family to sleep.
“I have two toddlers, and they kept waking up because of the heat. We haven’t had electricity for days due to a faulty transformer, so I had to keep fanning them through the night so they could sleep comfortably,” she told DAILY POST.
NiMet has advised Nigerians to take precautionary measures to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat. The agency urged people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and wear light clothing. Vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, were advised to take extra care.
With temperatures in the North projected to range between 36°C and 42°C, and the South experiencing between 34°C and 39°C, residents are bracing for more scorching days ahead.
Kano residents struggle as heatwave intensifies amid Ramadan fasting
