The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has released its latest weather forecast, projecting a mix of thunderstorms and rainfall in various parts of the country from Friday through Sunday.
According to the three-day weather outlook issued on Thursday in Abuja, thunderstorms are likely to dominate the northern region on Friday.
The agency noted the possibility of light to moderate morning rains in Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Gombe states, while other northern areas may experience sunny intervals interspersed with cloud cover.
In the latter part of the day, NiMet anticipates moderate rainfall and thunderstorms in several northern states including Adamawa, Yobe, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Taraba.
The central region is expected to see cloudy skies and light morning showers in Plateau and Nasarawa states. Later in the afternoon and evening, light rains are likely to affect the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Benue, and Plateau.
Over the southern states, morning drizzles are forecasted in areas like Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
The rainfall is expected to intensify slightly in the afternoon or evening across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Edo, Anambra, Enugu, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
Moving into Saturday, the forecast predicts sunny skies with scattered clouds across the northern region during the morning.
However, thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are expected later in the day in Adamawa, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Yobe, Taraba, Kaduna, and Bauchi.
In the central belt, light rains are anticipated in the morning over FCT, Plateau, and Benue.
These will spread to additional states, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, and Nasarawa, by afternoon and evening.
The southern region will again begin the day with light rains across parts of Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
This pattern continues into the afternoon/evening with similar conditions across more areas including Abia, Enugu, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa.
Sunday’s weather in the north is projected to start with sunshine and scattered clouds, though thunderstorms are likely in Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, and Kebbi during the morning. Later, the broader northern region should expect moderate rain and thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, in the central region, light rain is expected in the morning in Nasarawa, Niger, FCT, Kogi, Benue, Kwara, and Niger. By afternoon and evening, light to moderate rains are forecasted over the same states.
NiMet also expects mostly sunny skies in the southern region on Sunday, though patchy clouds and light to moderate morning rain may affect Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Ondo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa.
The evening hours could bring further rainfall to Abia, Rivers, Delta, and Edo.
The agency advised the public to be cautious due to strong winds likely to precede thunderstorms.
“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 warned.
NiMet also provided guidance for aviation professionals, “Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.
In closing, NiMet urged Nigerians to remain weather-aware, “Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet.”
