Abuja, Enugu, Jos, and major cities in Nigeria are experiencing hot weather conditions. These conditions are attributable to the heat wave currently experienced in Nigeria, which is characterised by extremely high temperatures. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) had warned of this, predicting temperatures as high as 41°C over the North and 39°C over the South.
The average high temperature in March is around 92°F (33°C), while in Enugu, it is around 87°F (31°C). These temperatures, combined with the humidity, make the weather feel even hotter. Another factor is the dry season, characterised by hot and dry weather with minimal rainfall.
Climate change also increases temperature as we experience frequent and severe heat waves due to rising global temperatures. Lastly, another factor is the urban island heat effect, which occurs when built-up areas absorb and retain heat.
These unbearable weather conditions remind me of my childhood dream of going to school and living in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, which has always been a great attraction for me as a teenager. This is because of the unique weather conditions due to its location on the Jos-Plateau. The city’s elevation, approximately 1238 metres (4062 feet) above sea level, contributes to its relatively cooler temperatures than other parts of Nigeria.
Therefore, Jos was the city I chose for my university education. Like Jos, Kaduna, the Kaduna State capital, also held a firm hold on me as my second-best city to live in. The University of Jos dream fizzled away when I was denied the opportunity to study Theatre Arts to further my passion for stage lights. The case was the same for Kaduna, which I had hoped would open doors for me shortly after the compulsory National Youth Service Corps.
Despite these failures, I never gave up on Jos. Fate, however, smiled on me in 2017 when I was redeployed from Port Harcourt, the River State capital, to Jos. While I hated the over 13-hour drive by road, fulfilling my long-hidden dreams was exciting. However, in 2018, this dream was cut short as I was redeployed back to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The night the news hit me, I wept like someone who lost a betting game. I kept asking God why without an answer. The thought of leaving the serene weather in Jos for the hot weather in Abuja was killing me. All my petitions to God to reverse the redeployment failed, so I accepted God’s verdict and resumed in Abuja, where I was greeted by harsher weather. Except for 2024, the weather in Abuja has always been too uncomfortable to drive, especially without functional air conditioning.
Today, I wish for the first time to focus on driving in this hot, unbearable weather condition, which is currently biting not just in Abuja but most parts of the country. In the case of Abuja, the hot weather sometimes defies even the most effective and functional car aircondition. For a start, driving in this kind of weather requires you to do three things: ensure your car is safe, ensure you keep everyone in a comfortable temperature, and lastly, have a plan in case of emergency.
ese three things are imperative not just during hot weather but all year round, which demands that you imbibe safe driving habits in hot or rainy weather. I enjoy driving in all weather conditions when it is moderate and avoid driving where possible when the weather is extreme. It requires preparation and awareness, ensuring the vehicle meets minimum safety standards, staying hydrated, and being mindful of road conditions and potential hazards.
Let us start with the vehicle conditions, which is the number one priority, especially when driving long or short distances. Your tyre condition should also be your number one priority. You should check your tyres because hot ambient temperatures can increase tire pressure. Too much pressure, I once told you, can lead to reduced grip and excess wear. Please ensure you check using a pressure gauge or a qualified vulcaniser.
Navigating from cold weather to hot, as we had in 2024, puts thermal stress on tyre rubber, and this can increase the risk of failure. Watch out for small cracks forming on your tyre tread or sidewalls, and quickly consider the need for a new tyre. I have written several times about tyres and how to check tyre pressures, tread, and conditions. Please search for my write-ups and update your knowledge to stay alive. Ensure tyres are properly inflated, as hot weather conditions can cause tyres to wear out and result in blowouts.
lYou must maintain your cooling system, which requires checking your coolant levels and ensuring the radiator is in good working condition to prevent overheating. For those privileged to have an air conditioner, ensuring it functions is crucial for staying comfortable in hot weather. A functioning air conditioner ensures everyone is safe and calm. This is how to battle the unbearable heat. Without this, please open your windows to enjoy fresh air, which is nature’s gift to travellers, especially in hot weather conditions. Whether you choose an air conditioner or winding down, ensure that occupants are comfortable.
I have assumed that the vehicle is serviced for such a journey. I know many friends who indulge in servicing their vehicle a day before a journey. This practice is common with those who take routine servicing for granted. Except in an emergency situation, I ensure my vehicle is maintained regularly, even without a planned trip.
However, where there is the need for one, I do so for days or weeks in case the technician reverses any malfunction. Ensure you top oil in your engine as it helps regulate engine temperature. Check levels frequently and ensure your battery is in top-notch condition.
Visibility is key for safe driving, which is why checking your windscreen is key. Scratches and streaks on your windscreen are a no-no, as the glaring weather shows them. If they are bad, they can obscure your vision.
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel often engage in an unhealthy argument with motorists over cracks in their windscreens. This is simply because minor windscreen damage can turn into significant cracks if you hit a pothole. My brother, Patrick Adenusi of Safety Beyond Borders, will always hammer on the need to keep the screens washed of grime, tree saps, and other particles, which sometimes stick like glue and affect visibility.
Having a pair of sunglasses is a great idea to enhance visibility and protect your eyes. Forget if you are seen as showing off when you do so. When looking directly at the road or other road users, the hot weather can affect you. Your sunshades can also be handy in blocking out bright sunshine. If you can, especially with children at the back, please get removable sunshades for the side windows.
For long journeys, avoid prolonged periods of driving without breaks to prevent dehydration, fatigue, and heat exhaustion. In keeping with the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations, the Corps advises that you take a break every three hours, while those with inherent driving or health challenges could do so after two hours.
Since driving is a shared responsibility, it is imperative that you are mindful of other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, especially when approaching buildup areas. You should also be mindful of other road hazards.
Earlier, I told you that having an emergency plan was the third most crucial dependant. I am aware this is often not in the diary of travellers who will plan for fuel and eating needs but will pretend they don’t care about how to reach first responders such as the FRSC, the Federal Fire Service, or even the Nigerian Police.
Driving is not risk-free, so you need to have a plan. At such times, your sunshade becomes useful while you wait for a towing vehicle. Having a power bank to charge your phone and water to keep you dehydrated. Carry a first aid kit in case of minor injuries, and please be aware of potential road dangers.
Above all, monitoring the FRSC toll-free number 122 and other emergency numbers is very important for you and other road users.
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