Early morning thunderstorms and rainfall are expected in different parts of Nigeria from Saturday through Monday, according to the latest forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The agency, in a weather report issued in Abuja on Friday, noted that several states across the country are likely to experience thunderstorms and rains within the three-day period.
The prediction begins with early morning thunderstorms on Saturday in parts of Taraba, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Adamawa in the northern region.
Later that day, more rainfall with thunderstorms is expected in areas such as Borno, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi, adding to the earlier states.
The North-Central region, including Benue, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is also expected to see early storms on Saturday. Thunderstorms and rain are likely to spread further later in the day to other areas such as Kwara and Kogi.
In the South, the atmosphere is expected to be mostly cloudy in the morning. Light rainfall is expected in states such as Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa.
Later in the afternoon and evening, isolated thunderstorms with rain may affect places like Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, and Delta.
On Sunday, similar weather conditions are expected to persist. NiMet notes that morning thunderstorms may hit parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba. These conditions are forecast to spread later in the day to Zamfara, Gombe, and Bauchi.
The North-Central zone will again see a mix of cloudy skies, sunshine, and possible thunderstorms in areas such as Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, and FCT.
In the Southern region, morning rains are predicted in Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River. Later in the day, rainfall and thunderstorms may occur in many other states including Imo, Enugu, Ogun, and Edo.
NiMet also provided the Monday outlook, predicting morning thunderstorms in parts of Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa. Later, rainfall is likely in Kano, Katsina, Gombe, and Bauchi.
For the North-Central, intermittent sunshine with cloudy patches is expected. Areas such as Kwara, Plateau, and Kogi may see afternoon thunderstorms.
Southern states may see cloudy weather in the morning with rainfall in areas like Ogun, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa. By afternoon, most of the region is likely to experience scattered thunderstorms.
NiMet also gave safety advice for the public and businesses. “Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” it said.
The agency further noted that “strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur” and advised residents to fasten loose items and avoid driving under heavy rain.
Airline operators were also advised to consult airport-specific weather updates for proper flight planning.
NiMet urged Nigerians to remain updated by checking its website: www.nimet.gov.ng.
