Expect thunderstorms, rain across Nigeria for 3 days – NiMet warns

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted a series of thunderstorms and rainfall across various parts of the country from Monday through Wednesday.

In a weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet projected early morning thunderstorms and rain on Monday across several northern states including Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kaduna.

“The remaining parts of the region are expected to be sunny with patches of cloud,” NiMet stated.

Later in the day, areas such as Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Yobe are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall.

For the central region, cloudy conditions are expected in the morning, with chances of thunderstorms and light rain in parts of Niger State. Plateau, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue, and Niger are forecasted to see thunderstorms and rain by afternoon or evening.

The agency also predicts cloudy skies for the southern states in the morning, followed by light rain in parts of Imo, Abia, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom later in the day.

On Tuesday, NiMet anticipates mostly sunny skies with intermittent clouds across the north in the morning, giving way to thunderstorms and moderate rain in Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Jigawa. Afternoon and evening storms are likely in Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna.

“Morning thunderstorms with light rains are anticipated over parts of Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States of the central region,” the agency said.

Further rainfall is predicted for Plateau, Niger, FCT, and Nasarawa as the day progresses.

The southern region is also expected to experience morning clouds, with potential rainfall in Akwa Ibom and Cross River. Moderate showers are forecasted for states including Ondo, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Edo, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and others by the afternoon.

By Wednesday, sunny spells with scattered clouds are predicted in the northern zones, with morning thunderstorms likely in Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Taraba. Rainfall is expected to continue into the evening in states like Yobe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Bauchi, Borno, and Kebbi.

In the central region, NiMet projects rainfall over the FCT, Plateau, Niger, and Kwara between afternoon and evening hours. Southern states may see light morning rain in Enugu, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, with heavier showers in Ebonyi, Abia, Edo, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and other parts later in the day.

NiMet cautioned the public to take preventive measures as strong winds are expected to precede thunderstorms in some areas.

“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” the agency advised.

“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 and visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng.”