The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has cautioned drivers to exercise care during the harmattan season.
According GMet, the country is yet to experience the peak of this weather phenomenon.
Joseph Portuphy, the Head of Forecasting at the Agency, stressed the importance of drivers adopting safe practices during this period.
He highlighted the potential for reduced visibility, indicating, “The worst of the season is yet to come. This is just the preliminaries because visibility has not dropped yet.”
Mr. Portuphy advised drivers to be especially vigilant during foggy mornings, stating, “We expect a lot of fog in the morning, and when you get fog, you cannot see ahead of you. So, this is the time we should be using our fog lights in the morning and also reduce your speed so that when there is an object ahead of you, you can easily avoid it.”
Frederick Cudjoe, a Senior Meteorologist, echoed the need for precautions to prevent accidents during the harmattan season. He recommended the use of fog lights and adhering to speed limits, particularly when visibility is poor early in the morning and at dawn. Additionally, he advised those venturing to farms to take necessary precautions to avoid fire outbreaks.
Mr Cudjoe also highlighted the presence of particles in the atmosphere during the harmattan season, suggesting the use of nose masks to prevent inhaling excessive particles into the respiratory system.
He explained that the dry continental wind from the Sahara and Sahel regions would bring dust conditions accompanied by winds from the northern part of the continent into Ghana.
The agency anticipates these conditions to persist throughout December.