NiMet forecasts heavy rainfall, thunderstorms across Nigeria from Saturday to Monday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather alert, projecting significant rainfall and thunderstorms in various parts of the country from Saturday through Monday.

In its three-day weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja, NiMet warned that early morning thunderstorms are expected to sweep through several northern states on Saturday, including Taraba, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Adamawa.

As the day progresses, stormy conditions are expected to extend to additional states such as Borno, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi, with forecasts pointing to heavy rain and potential flooding in vulnerable areas.

NiMet has advised residents in the affected regions to take precautionary measures, especially those living in flood-prone areas. The agency also urged farmers, motorists, and air travelers to stay updated with weather reports and plan accordingly to avoid disruptions.

“In the North-Central region, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Plateau, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, and Nasarawa States.“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, and Plateau States,” the statement noted.

The southern region is expected to see overcast conditions Saturday morning, with rainfall likely in areas such as Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa. NiMet added that the weather may later bring isolated thunderstorms and rain to additional states, including Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, and Delta.

On Sunday, the agency predicted early thunderstorms in northern areas like Kaduna, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba, with the likelihood of rainfall later in the day across Gombe, Bauchi, and Zamfara.

North-Central states, including Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, and the FCT, may experience partly cloudy skies with breaks of sunshine before afternoon thunderstorms develop.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and Plateau states,” NiMet said.

The southern region is also expected to face morning storms in Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, with widespread rainfall and thunderstorms forecast for the rest of the day.

By Monday, NiMet expects stormy morning conditions to persist in the northern states of Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba, expanding in the afternoon to include Kano, Katsina, and Bauchi.

In North-Central Nigeria, cloudy skies and sunny intervals are expected, with thunderstorms forecast later in the day over parts of Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi.

“In the Southern region, cloudy atmosphere is expected with chances of morning rains over parts of Ogun, Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Delta, and Bayelsa States.“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over most parts of the region,” the agency stated.

The public was advised to remain cautious, as some of the anticipated thunderstorms could be preceded by strong winds.

“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 issued specific guidance for aviation operators:“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.