The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has forecasted significant weather changes across various parts of the country, predicting thunderstorms and rainfall from Wednesday through Friday.
The weather outlook, issued Tuesday in Abuja, outlined expectations of early morning thunderstorms on Wednesday in some northern states, including Taraba, Kaduna, and Adamawa.
As the day progresses, NiMet projected thunderstorms with rainfall over additional northern states, namely Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi.
In the North Central zone, early morning thunderstorms are likely in areas such as Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, and Nasarawa.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi and Plateau States,” the report stated.
Moving to the South, a cloudy atmosphere is expected in the morning with possible rain over Ondo, Ekiti, and Edo.
“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,” it said.
Thursday’s forecast indicates continued instability, with morning thunderstorms likely over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, and Taraba.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi States,” NiMet added.
For the North Central region, a mix of cloud cover and sunshine is expected, but early thunderstorms may affect Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, and the FCT.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Plateau States,” it said.
In the South, morning thunderstorms are projected over Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
The agency further noted: “It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with rain 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.”
By Friday, morning thunderstorms are likely in Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, and Taraba in the North.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi States,” NiMet said.
The North Central will see intermittent sunshine and clouds, with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms in FCT, Nasarawa, Kwara, and Niger.
NiMet added that “thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Benue and Kogi” could occur during the afternoon or evening.
For the South, early rain is predicted over Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
“It predicted isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of the region later in the day.”
NiMet warned that gusty winds may precede the storms, urging caution.
“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.
“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” the agency advised.
