The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across various parts of the country from Saturday through Monday, urging citizens to take necessary precautions.
In a weather outlook released Friday in Abuja, NiMet predicted early morning thunderstorms over parts of the northern states including Taraba, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Adamawa. These areas, along with Borno, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi, are expected to experience continued thunderstorms and rainfall later in the day.
For the North-Central region, morning thunderstorms are likely in Benue, Plateau, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Nasarawa, with later developments expected in Kwara and Kogi states.
In the southern part of the country, cloudy skies with chances of morning rain are expected over Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms and rainfall are predicted across most parts of the region.
By Sunday, NiMet anticipates morning thunderstorms in Kaduna, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States. Rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in parts of Taraba, Gombe, Zamfara, and Bauchi States as the day progresses.
The North-Central region will experience cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine. However, the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, and Niger States will likely experience afternoon or evening thunderstorms.
In the South, morning thunderstorms are expected in Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, with rainfall and thunderstorms expected later across Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and other states.
By Monday, morning thunderstorms are predicted over Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba in the North. Thunderstorms with rain will extend into parts of the North-Central and Southern regions by afternoon and evening.
NiMet advised residents to stay informed through regular weather updates via its official website: www.nimet.gov.ng, warning that strong winds may precede rainfall in many areas.
The agency also issued safety advisories:
- Secure loose outdoor items to prevent wind damage.
- Avoid driving during heavy rain to reduce accident risks.
- Disconnect electrical appliances during storms to prevent damage.
- Stay clear of tall trees to avoid injury from falling branches.
Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports for safer flight planning and operations.
