The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy weather, thunderstorms and moderate rainfall in many parts of Nigeria from Wednesday to Friday.
In its weather outlook released in Abuja on Wednesday, the agency said several states in the North, North-Central and southern parts of the country are expected to experience different levels of rainfall and thunderstorms over the three-day period.
NiMet also warned that strong winds could accompany some of the thunderstorms and advised residents to take safety precautions.
According to the agency, Wednesday morning will begin with cloudy skies across the northern region, while thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are expected in parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa states.
It added that later in the day, the thunderstorms would spread to Kaduna and other parts of the North-East.
On Thursday, NiMet said cloudy conditions would continue across the region, with thunderstorms and moderate rainfall expected in parts of Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe in the morning.
It stated, “Later in the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over most parts of the region.”
For Friday, the agency forecast morning thunderstorms and rainfall in parts of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba states before the weather system spreads across the northern region later in the day.
In the North-Central region, NiMet predicted cloudy skies on Wednesday, with thunderstorms and light rainfall expected in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau and Nasarawa states during the morning.
Later in the day, moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Benue, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau states.
The agency said widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall would continue across the region on Thursday.
On Friday, it forecast light morning rainfall in parts of Nasarawa and Benue states, followed by moderate rainfall and thunderstorms across the region later in the day.
For the southern region, NiMet predicted generally cloudy skies on Wednesday morning, with light rainfall expected in parts of the South-South.
It added that moderate rainfall would later affect parts of Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, the South-East and the South-South.
On Thursday, moderate rainfall is expected in parts of Ondo and the South-South during the day, while more rainfall is forecast for the South-East and South-South later in the day.
For Friday, the agency said light rainfall is likely across the South-South in the morning, while moderate rainfall is expected later in parts of Ondo, Oyo, Enugu, Imo and other areas in the South-East and South-South.
NiMet warned that strong winds could occur before rainfall in areas expected to experience thunderstorms.
According to the agency, “Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precaution and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.”
The agency advised residents to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during storms and stay away from tall trees to reduce the risk of injuries from falling branches or uprooted trees.
It also urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to support effective flight planning and safe operations.
The agency added, “Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet.”
