NiMet forecasts 3-day sunshine, thunderstorms from Saturday

A combination of sunshine and thunderstorms is expected across several parts of the country over the weekend and into Monday, according to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

In its three-day weather forecast issued Friday in Abuja, NiMet projected mostly sunny skies with intermittent thunderstorms from Saturday through Monday.

On Saturday, residents in the North are likely to see predominantly sunny conditions, though areas such as Taraba and Adamawa could experience morning thunderstorms. Later in the day, rainfall accompanied by thunder is expected in places like Zamfara, Adamawa, Kebbi, Taraba, and Kaduna.

“In the North-central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected in the morning with chances of isolated thunderstorms with rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa States during the afternoon or evening hours,” the agency stated.

Meanwhile, southern states will begin Saturday with cloudy skies and potential rain in coastal areas including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa. By afternoon and evening, rainfall is anticipated in many more southern locations.

“Later in the day, rain showers are anticipated over parts of Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Imo, Abia, Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States,“ it said.

Sunday’s outlook for the North includes sunny weather with light cloud cover in the morning, transitioning to thunderstorms and moderate rainfall in areas like Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Adamawa.

“In the North-central region, partly cloudy atmosphere is expected during the morning hours. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau and Niger States,” the forecast noted.

Southern areas are expected to start Sunday with rain showers in Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom. Additional showers will follow in the afternoon and evening across Ekiti, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Lagos.

For Monday, NiMet predicted thunderstorms and rainfall in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, and Gombe during the morning hours. Later in the day, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, and Zamfara are likely to experience similar weather.

“In the North-central region, cloudy skies are envisaged during the morning period. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the entire region,” it said.
“In the southern region, cloudy skies are expected in the morning. Later in the day, isolated rain showers are envisaged over the entire region,“ it added.

NiMet also advised Nigerians to prepare for potentially strong winds that could precede rainfall, urging caution to prevent injuries or damage from unsecured objects.

“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” the agency warned, also cautioning against driving in heavy rainfall and advising the disconnection of electrical appliances during storms.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.