The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread thunderstorms and rain showers across various parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday, with possible heavy rainfall and strong winds in some regions.
Naijaonpoint reports that NiMet, in a weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, advised Nigerians to brace for weather fluctuations, particularly in the northern, central, and southern regions, urging citizens to take necessary precautions against hazards linked to severe weather.
For Monday, NiMet predicted early morning thunderstorms, with or without rainfall, across parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kaduna States, while other areas in the region are expected to be sunny with cloud patches.
“Thunderstorms with rains are expected in the afternoon or evening hours over Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Gombe, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna,” the agency noted.
On Tuesday, most northern states will experience sunny skies with cloud patches, alongside morning thunderstorms in Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Jigawa, Bauchi, and Kaduna.
Wednesday will usher in morning thunderstorms across Zamfara, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Sokoto, with heavy downpours expected in many of these states by afternoon.
In the North Central, including the Federal Capital Territory, the agency forecast morning rains and isolated thunderstorms throughout the three-day period.
On Monday, residents in Niger, Plateau, and the FCT may experience early morning thunderstorms, with the rest of the region enjoying sunny spells and cloud cover. By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms are expected to affect Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and parts of the FCT.
Tuesday and Wednesday will continue the trend, with moderate rains and thunderstorms forecast in the afternoon and evening hours across Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the FCT.
NiMet projected light morning rains in parts of Ogun, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom on Monday, with thunderstorms and light rains spreading across Ondo, Oyo, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, and other coastal states by afternoon.
From Tuesday to Wednesday, Akwa Ibom and Cross River are expected to continue witnessing morning rains, with light rains and thunderstorms likely across the entire southern region throughout both days.
NiMet cautioned that strong winds may precede thunderstorms, urging the public to take precautions to avoid weather-related dangers.
The statement advised, “Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid injury from falling branches.
“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. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng.”