The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that some parts of the country should brace for thunderstorms and rain between Monday and Wednesday.
In its weather update issued on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said that parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Taraba, Adamawa and Kaduna are likely to see early morning thunderstorms — some with rain, others without. Meanwhile, the rest of the northern region can expect mostly sunny skies, with a scattering of clouds.
NiMet urged residents, especially in areas prone to storms, to stay alert and take precautions as the unsettled weather sets in.
“Thunderstorms with rains are expected during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Gombe, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna States.
“In the central region, morning thunderstorms with rains are expected over parts of Niger, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, while the remaining parts of the region are anticipated to be sunny with cloud patches. Isolated thunderstorms (with or without rain) are expected over parts of Plateau, Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi and Niger States during the afternoon or evening periods,“ it said.
NiMet has forecast cloudy skies across the southern region, with the likelihood of light morning rain in parts of Ogun, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
As the day progresses, the agency expects afternoon or evening thunderstorms, bringing light rain to areas including Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
“For Tuesday in the northern region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected in most of the region with chances of morning scattered thunderstorms with heavy rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kaduna States.
“Thunderstorms with light rains are expected during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Borno, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Bauchi States,” it said.
NiMet has indicated that morning thunderstorms, accompanied by light rain, are likely over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, and Benue States in the central region.
Later in the day, thunderstorms with light rain are also expected across parts of Nasarawa, the FCT, Benue, Kogi, and Plateau States.
For the southern region, cloudy skies are forecast in the morning, with a chance of rain in parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. As the day wears on, thunderstorms with light rain are predicted across much of the region during the afternoon and evening.
“For Wednesday, morning thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Zamfara, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi and Sokoto states in the northern region.
“Thunderstorms with heavy rains are expected over parts of Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Taraba and Adamawa States during the afternoon to evening periods.
“For the central region, cloudy skies are anticipated over the area during the morning hours. Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected across the region in the afternoon to evening periods. For southern region, there are prospects of light rains across the entire region throughout the day, “ it said.
NiMet has also warned that strong winds could sweep through ahead of the rains in places where thunderstorms are expected. The public is urged to take proper precautions and secure any loose items to prevent them from being blown about or causing damage.
“ 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.
