For some time now, the residents of Yaounde have had to deal with harsh harmattan weather condition in the city. The harmattan season is characterized by cold dry winds usually occurring in the middle of January.

This has been the weather in Yaounde since the beginning of the year. "We are used to this weather which started early this month, but last Friday morning, January 9 was unusual. The city was covered in thick giant fog making it colder than usual," Jeanne Kemayo, a mother said.

A larger group of Yaounde folks are worried as they fear their families will have to face its negative effects. Already some indigenes have experienced extreme dryness causing cracked lips and skin. They are hence forced to wear clothes that cover entirely and apply oily cosmetic products to fight these effects. "I had to return home last Saturday to change my outfit because it was so cold. Since then I coat my lips with menthol balm sold at 125 F to prevent cracks on my lips. I also apply glycerin to my skin in order to keep it well moisturized, "says Bernard K. a company executive staff.

The temperature recorded here is 13°C. It was also very windy in the morning of Saturday, January 10. Weather reports for that day recorded figures at 28km/h.

Yesterday on Sunday, hazy atmosphere marked the beginning of the day. The observation of the day by the relevant weather services presented at 7am, overcast with a temperature of around 15°C and the relative humidity at 35%.

"This change in weather is unusual as it used to occur in December. With the harmattan rife in the far north it comes as no surprise that the air is now dusty and harsh, "says an observer and resident.

The sudden temperature changes also pose health challenges to children and the elderly. Cough, cold, bronchitis and other infections are increasing and are the main diagnosis recorded in hospitals in the city. "It causes a lot of time. We recommend that children are kept warm. They have to wear sweaters and socks, even when they are at home. In the nights when the weather is particularly cold, the same clothing should be worn and people must ensure that all windows are closed, "advised a pediatrician.