NiMet forecasts 3 days of rainfall, thunderstorms across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has projected a spell of rain and thunderstorms nationwide from Monday through Wednesday.

In its weather outlook issued on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet indicated that northern states such as Adamawa and Taraba would likely see light morning showers on Monday, followed by isolated thunderstorms later in the day across Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, Bauchi, southern Borno and Taraba.

“For the central region, a cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is expected over the region. There are prospects of thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Nasarawa, Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Nasarawa state during the morning hours. Isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over most parts of the region during the afternoon and evening period,” it said.

The agency also noted that the southern region would experience cloudy conditions with sunny breaks, adding that isolated thunderstorms with light rains were expected in Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom during the morning hours, while thunderstorms with moderate rains would follow later in the day.

NiMet added that Tuesday would bring a similar pattern of cloudiness and intermittent sunshine in the North, with light rains expected in Taraba and Adamawa in the morning, and isolated thunderstorms spreading to Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Adamawa, Zamfara and Taraba by afternoon and evening.

In the central region, cloudy conditions with sunshine intervals are anticipated, alongside isolated thunderstorms and light rains in the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue and Niger during the morning, followed by thunderstorms with moderate rain later in the day.

The South, according to NiMet, will remain largely cloudy with thunderstorms and moderate rainfall expected in Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Lagos, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Cross River in the morning, intensifying into isolated thunderstorms with moderate rain and flash floods in Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Rivers later in the day.

For Wednesday, NiMet projected cloudy skies with intermittent sunshine in the North, along with morning showers in Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Adamawa and Taraba. “During the afternoon and evening period, isolated thunderstorms with light rains are expected over most parts of the region,” it said.

The central states are expected to record cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine, along with thunderstorms and moderate rains in Plateau and Nasarawa during the morning, while isolated thunderstorms with light rains would extend to most parts later in the day.

In the South, cloudy weather is forecast with morning rains in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River, giving way to thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later.

NiMet also urged states likely to experience flash floods to activate emergency measures, warning motorists to drive cautiously in the rain.

“To avoid leaching nutrients, farmers should refrain from applying fertilizer and pesticides right before the rains, 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 encouraged residents to remain updated on forecasts by visiting its official website, www.nimet.gov.ng.