The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather alert forecasting heavy thunderstorms and widespread rainfall across Nigeria from Saturday to Monday, urging the public and airline operators to take safety precautions.
In its three-day weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja, NiMet stated that thunderstorm activities would begin as early as Saturday morning in various parts of the North, North-Central, and Southern regions.
“Early morning thunderstorms on Saturday are expected over parts of Taraba, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Adamawa states,” the agency reported.
“Thunderstorms with rains are anticipated later in the day over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Borno, Kaduna, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi states.”
For the North-Central region, NiMet projected:
“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 FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, and Plateau states.”
In the South, a cloudy start to the weekend is expected, with:
“Chances of morning rains over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States. Isolated thunderstorms with rains are expected later in the day across Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers State.”
Sunday Forecast: Heavy Downpour Continues
By Sunday, NiMet predicts continued rainfall:
“Morning thunderstorms will affect parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States. Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are expected over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Gombe, and Bauchi States.”
In the North-Central, the weather will be a mix of sunshine and storms:
“Patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected, with early morning thunderstorms likely to affect parts of Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, and the FCT. Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and Plateau states.”
Southern Nigeria will see a repeat pattern:
“Morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. Isolated thunderstorms with rains will affect most parts of the South later in the day.”
Monday Outlook: Warnings Remain in Place
On Monday, the thunderstorm threat persists:
“Morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba. Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains will affect Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, Gombe, Kaduna, and Bauchi States.”
The North-Central will experience:
“Patches of clouds with sunshine intervals and thunderstorms with rains over the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, and Niger. In the afternoon or evening, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi States are likely to be affected.”
The Southern region is forecast to begin Monday with rains:
“Morning rains are expected over parts of Ogun, Edo, Ondo, Delta, and Bayelsa. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over most parts of the region.”
Safety Warnings from NiMet
NiMet advised Nigerians to take necessary precautions as strong winds may precede the rains, especially in thunderstorm-prone areas.
“The public should take adequate precaution as strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur,” the agency warned.
“Ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision and avoid driving under heavy rain. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.”
For aviation, the agency emphasized:
“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.”
NiMet also encouraged residents to stay updated:
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website, www.nimet.gov.ng,” the statement concluded.
The three-day forecast highlights the ongoing rainy season’s intensification and reinforces the importance of preparedness to minimize the risks associated with extreme weather.
