NiMet forecasts mixed weather, says sunshine, thunderstorms expected across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its latest weather outlook, projecting a blend of sunny intervals and thunderstorms across various parts of the country from Wednesday through Friday.

According to the forecast, clear skies will dominate much of Northern Nigeria on Wednesday. However, residents in Taraba, Borno, Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa should prepare for isolated thunderstorms later in the afternoon and evening hours.

For the North-Central region, NiMet predicts a mix of sunshine and scattered clouds, with chances of localized thunderstorms in Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi as the day progresses.

For the southern region, morning thunderstorms may occur in parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, while areas such as Imo, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, and Delta are expected to experience thunderstorms later in the day.

The agency’s forecast for Thursday suggests continued sunny spells in the North, alongside isolated thunderstorms in Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Kaduna. The North-Central zone will see similar conditions with potential storms in Plateau, FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi by the afternoon and evening.

Morning storms are likely in parts of Cross River, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom in the South, followed by broader thunderstorm activity in areas such as Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Rivers, Delta, and others later in the day.

By Friday, NiMet expects mostly sunny weather in the North, punctuated by isolated storms in places like Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba during afternoon hours. Sunny conditions with occasional cloudiness are predicted in the North-Central region, with possible thunderstorms in Plateau, FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi.

The South may start the day with thunderstorms in Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, while states such as Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Rivers, Delta, and Lagos could see storms later in the day.

NiMet advised Nigerians to exercise caution as some of the thunderstorms could be accompanied by strong winds.

“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.

“ Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,“ it said.