NiMet forecasts mix of sunshine, thunderstorms across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a three-day weather forecast predicting a blend of sunny skies and thunderstorms across different parts of the country from Saturday through Monday.

In the report released Friday in Abuja, NiMet said that northern Nigeria will mostly experience clear and sunny conditions during the day.

However, Taraba and Adamawa may see morning thunderstorms, while Zamfara, Adamawa, Kebbi, Taraba, and Kaduna are likely to experience rainfall with thunder later in the day.

“In the North-central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected in the morning with chances of isolated thunderstorms with rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa States during the afternoon or evening hours,” the agency stated.

Meanwhile, southern states will begin Saturday with cloudy skies and potential rain in coastal areas including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa. By afternoon and evening, rainfall is anticipated in many more southern locations.

“Later in the day, rain showers are anticipated over parts of Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Imo, Abia, Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States,“ it said.

Sunday’s outlook for the North includes sunny weather with light cloud cover in the morning, transitioning to thunderstorms and moderate rainfall in areas like Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Adamawa.

“In the North-central region, partly cloudy atmosphere is expected during the morning hours. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau and Niger States,” the forecast noted.

Southern areas are expected to start Sunday with rain showers in Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom. Additional showers will follow in the afternoon and evening across Ekiti, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Lagos.

For Monday, NiMet predicted thunderstorms and rainfall in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, and Gombe during the morning hours. Later in the day, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, and Zamfara are likely to experience similar weather.

“In the North-central region, cloudy skies are envisaged during the morning period. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the entire region,” it said.
“In the southern region, cloudy skies are expected in the morning. Later in the day, isolated rain showers are envisaged over the entire region,“ it added.

NiMet also advised Nigerians to prepare for potentially strong winds that could precede rainfall, urging caution to prevent injuries or damage from unsecured objects.

“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” the agency warned, also cautioning against driving in heavy rainfall and advising the disconnection of electrical appliances during storms.

“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.