The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted a series of thunderstorms and rainfall activities across different regions of the country from Wednesday through Friday.
In its weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja, NiMet indicated that early morning thunderstorms are likely over parts of Taraba, Kaduna, and Adamawa States in the northern region on Wednesday.
The agency further projected that later in the day, other parts of the North including Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi States would experience thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall.
For the North Central region, NiMet said early morning thunderstorms are expected to affect areas such as Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Nasarawa.
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“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi and Plateau states,” the agency stated.
In the South, a cloudy morning is expected with possible rainfall in Ondo, Ekiti, and Edo States. As the day progresses, isolated thunderstorms with rain are likely to affect a broader range of states.
“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers during the afternoon or evening hours,” NiMet added.
Looking ahead to Thursday, NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, and Taraba in the North. These weather conditions are expected to intensify in the afternoon and evening.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi states,” the agency stated.
In the North Central, residents are expected to witness sunshine intervals with patches of clouds in the morning and likely thunderstorms in some areas.
“Patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of early morning thunderstorms to affect parts of Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory. Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Plateau states,” NiMet explained.
Southern Nigeria, according to the forecast, will also witness varying levels of rainfall activity. Morning thunderstorms are likely in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, while other parts of the region are expected to experience more rainfall later in the day.
“Isolated thunderstorms with rain [are expected] over most parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day,” the report said.
On Friday, NiMet predicted early morning thunderstorms over parts of Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, and Taraba States in the northern region.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi states,” it added.
In the North Central, weather conditions are expected to include sunshine with intermittent cloud cover, with thunderstorms likely later in the day.
“Patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of thunderstorms with rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger,” NiMet said, adding that Kwara, Benue and Kogi are likely to be affected in the afternoon or evening hours.
In the South, a cloudy atmosphere is anticipated in the morning across parts of Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. This will be followed by widespread isolated thunderstorms across much of the region as the day unfolds.
NiMet warned that strong winds may precede rainfall in areas likely to experience thunderstorms and advised the public to take necessary safety precautions.
“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.
“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.
The agency also urged aviation stakeholders to take appropriate measures in light of the forecast.
“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it added.
Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to stay updated with NiMet’s weather advisories by visiting the agency’s official website at www.nimet.gov.ng.
