The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Saturday through Monday, urging Nigerians to take precautionary measures as the weather system intensifies.
In its weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja, NiMet predicted early morning thunderstorms on Saturday across parts of Taraba, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Adamawa in the northern region. Thunderstorms with rain are also expected later in the day over Borno, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi.
For the North-Central region, early morning thunderstorms are forecasted in Benue, Plateau, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Nasarawa, with later rainfall expected in Kwara and Kogi.
In the South, cloudy skies with prospects of morning rain are likely in Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa. Isolated thunderstorms are expected later across most southern states, including Imo, Abia, Ondo, Oyo, Edo, and Delta.
Sunday Weather Forecast
On Sunday, NiMet expects morning thunderstorms over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba in the North, with continued rain later in the day over Zamfara, Gombe, and Bauchi.
The North-Central will experience cloudy intervals with sunshine, but thunderstorms are likely in Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, and Benue throughout the day.
Morning rain is forecasted in Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, with later storms anticipated across the wider southern region.
Monday Weather Outlook
By Monday, morning thunderstorms are expected in Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba, while afternoon rain is forecasted in Kano, Katsina, Gombe, and Bauchi.
North-Central areas like the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, and Niger will see cloud patches with possible rain. Afternoon thunderstorms are likely across Kwara, Plateau, and Kogi.
In the South, cloudy weather is expected in the morning with rains in Ogun, Edo, Ondo, Delta, and Bayelsa, followed by more widespread thunderstorms across the region later in the day.
Public Advisory
NiMet warned that strong winds may precede rainfall and advised Nigerians to secure loose items, disconnect electrical appliances during storms, and avoid driving under heavy rain. The agency also advised residents to avoid tall trees during thunderstorms due to risks of falling branches.
Airline operators have been urged to obtain flight-specific weather updates to aid safe operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website, www.nimet.gov.ng,”http://www.nimet.gov.ng,” the agency stated.
What you should know
NiMet forecasts three days of thunderstorms and rain across all regions of Nigeria. The public is advised to prepare for strong winds, take safety precautions, and stay updated through official NiMet channels.
