NiMet forecasts 3-day thunderstorms, rain across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather forecast predicting widespread thunderstorms and rainfall from Friday through Sunday across various regions of the country.

In its weather outlook released on Thursday in Abuja, NiMet said parts of the northern region — including Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna States — should expect thunderstorms with moderate rains on Friday morning. The agency added that the weather would likely intensify across most parts of the region by afternoon and evening.

“For central region, there are prospects of light rains over Niger, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Plateau States.“Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory during the afternoon/evening period,” it stated.

NiMet further forecast cloudy skies for southern states in the morning, with light showers expected over Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Cross River. According to the agency, light rains would also fall later in the day across Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

For Saturday, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected in Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe and Taraba States in the morning, with Borno, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi and Taraba States set to experience further activity later in the day.

“For the central region, there are prospects of light rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Benue and Kwara States during the morning period.“For the southern region, cloudy skies are expected over the region with prospects of light rains over Enugu, Imo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours.“Later on the day, light rains are expected over most parts of the region,” the agency added.

On Sunday, NiMet anticipated thunderstorms with moderate rains in Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano and Borno States during the morning, spreading later to Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno and Katsina in the afternoon and evening.

“For the central region, cloudy skies are expected with chances of light rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue States during the morning hours.“Later in the day, light rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi and Kwara States.“For southern region, cloudy skies are expected over the region with chances of light rains over parts of Imo, Enugu, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo and Bayelsa states during the morning period,” NiMet said.

The agency added that light rains would also fall later on Sunday in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Imo, Enugu, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States.

NiMet advised motorists to avoid driving in heavy rain and urged farmers not to apply fertilizers or pesticides just before rainfall to prevent nutrient leaching.

“Ensure warm clothing for the vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures. Ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.“Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.
The agency also urged the public to remain updated on weather conditions via its website, www.nimet.gov.ng.