Thunderstorms, rainfall expected across Nigeria – NiMet warns

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast thunderstorms and widespread rainfall across many parts of the country, beginning Sunday through Tuesday.

In a weather outlook issued on Saturday in Abuja, the agency warned that northern states like Taraba and Adamawa are likely to experience early morning thunderstorms on Sunday, kicking off a period of unsettled weather.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, there are prospects of thunderstorms with rains over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, Jigawa, Borno, Gombe and Bauchi,” the agency stated.

The North-Central region is expected to experience cloudy skies in the morning, with a shift to thunderstorms and rainfall affecting the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and Plateau later in the day.

In the South, morning cloud cover will give way to rain showers in the afternoon and evening, affecting states such as Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Edo, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa.

Moving on to Monday, NiMet predicts early thunderstorms accompanied by rain in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Bauchi.

“Thunderstorms with rains [are expected] over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Borno, Bauchi and Kaduna States later in the day,” the agency said.

The North-Central zone is likely to see rainfall and thunderstorms in the morning across the FCT, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa, extending to Plateau, Kwara, and Benue by the afternoon.

Morning rains are anticipated in parts of the South, including Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom, with widespread showers expected later in the day.

By Tuesday, isolated thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are projected in the morning over Zamfara and Kaduna in the North.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Kaduna, Adamawa, Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe and Borno States,” the forecast noted.

Rainfall is also likely to affect Niger, Plateau, and Benue states in the morning, expanding to cover the FCT, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, and Plateau later in the day.

Southern states such as Lagos and Bayelsa are expected to see rainfall in the morning, with widespread precipitation throughout the region as the day progresses.

NiMet advised Nigerians to take necessary safety measures in view of the expected weather changes.

“Strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur,” the agency warned.

“Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets… Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” it added.

The agency also urged airline operators to obtain updated airport-specific weather reports for proper flight planning.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet,” it said.