The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted cloudiness and thunderstorms across the country from Wednesday to Friday.
In its weather outlook released in Abuja on Wednesday, NiMet forecast patches of clouds over the northern region, with prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa states during the morning hours on Wednesday.
According to the agency, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are expected over parts of Kaduna and the entire North-East later in the day.
“Patches of clouds are expected over the North-Central region with chances of thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau and Nasarawa states during the morning hours.
“By the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over parts of Benue, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau states.
“Cloudy skies are anticipated over the southern region. However, there are chances of light rains over parts of the South-South region during the morning hours,” it said.
NiMet also forecast moderate rainfall over parts of Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, the South-East and the South-South later in the day.
For Thursday, the agency predicted patches of clouds over the northern region, with thunderstorms and moderate rainfall expected over parts of Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe states during the morning hours.
“Later in the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over most parts of the region.
“A cloudy atmosphere is expected over the North-Central region, with chances of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains across the region throughout the forecast period.
“Moderate rains are expected over parts of Ondo and the entire South-South region. Later in the day, moderate rains are expected over the South-East and the South-South regions,” it said.
On Friday, NiMet forecast patches of clouds over the northern region, with prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall over parts of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba states during the morning hours.
The agency said thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are expected across the northern region later in the day.
“A cloudy atmosphere is expected over the North-Central region, with chances of thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Nasarawa and Benue states during the morning hours.
“The afternoon or evening period holds prospects for thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over the region. Cloudy skies are anticipated over the southern region, with prospects of light rains over the entire South-South during the morning hours.”
NiMet also predicted moderate rainfall over parts of Ondo, Oyo, Enugu, Imo, the South-East and the South-South later in the day.
The agency warned that strong winds might precede rainfall in areas likely to experience thunderstorms and urged residents to take necessary precautions.
According to NiMet, “strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions.”
It also advised the public to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets and stay away from tall trees to reduce the risk of injuries from falling branches or trees.
NiMet further advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from the agency for effective operational planning.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website,” it added.
