Thunderstorms, Heavy Rains Predicted From Friday To Sunday 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued an updated weather forecast, highlighting the likelihood of thunderstorms and varying intensities of rainfall across various regions of the country from Friday to Sunday.

Released in Abuja on Thursday, this three-day outlook serves as a precautionary alert, indicating potential flooding risks and urging citizens to take necessary safety measures.

Beginning Friday morning, the northern states are expected to experience isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall. Specifically, areas including Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi are likely to feel the impact of these weather conditions.

As the weekend progresses, Saturday will bring a shift in weather patterns. NiMet anticipates a predominantly cloudy sky, interspersed with moments of sunshine throughout the northern region.

However, residents should be prepared for more isolated thunderstorms and moderate rains to develop later in the day, particularly affecting the states of Taraba, Adamawa, southern Borno, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, and Katsina.

By Sunday, the forecast indicates a continuation of cloudy skies coupled with intervals of sunshine over the northern region. There remains a possibility of isolated thunderstorms, during which light rainfall may occur in the morning across parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take appropriate preparations as these weather developments unfold.

The central states are also expected to experience rainfall, with varying intensity throughout the forecast period.

“For the central region, cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is expected over this region during the morning hours with chances of light rains over Niger, Kogi, and Benue States,” NiMet explained.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over Nasarawa, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory,” the forecast added

For Saturday, thunderstorm with moderate rain is anticipated over most parts of the region in the afternoon/evening hours, while on Sunday, there will be cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine expected over this region, with prospects of thunderstorms with moderate rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Benue States during the afternoon or evening period.

The southern states will see more consistent rainfall throughout the forecast period.

“There are prospects of intermittent moderate rainfall over most parts of the southern region throughout the forecast period.”

“There are prospects of flooding over parts of Lagos, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States,” NiMet stated

On Saturday, cloudy skies are anticipated over the region with chances of moderate rains over parts of Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours. Later in the day, light to moderate rain is expected over most parts of the region.

By Sunday, cloudy skies are anticipated over the southern region with prospects of moderate rains over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours. In the afternoon/evening periods, moderate rains are anticipated over most parts of the region.

Safety warnings and advice
NiMet issued safety guidelines to reduce risks associated with the predicted heavy rains.

The agency warned that driving under heavy rain should be avoided, and to avoid leaching of nutrients, farmers should refrain from applying fertilizer and pesticides right before the rains.

“They should ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. There is a need to stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” NiMet added.

Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

NiMet urged Nigerians to remain updated on daily forecasts, stressing that “residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng.”