The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted widespread thunderstorms from Monday to Wednesday, affecting various regions across the country.
The agency released its weather outlook in Abuja on Sunday, warning of localized thunderstorms, particularly in northern and southern states.
According to the forecast, Kebbi and Zamfara States in the northern region will experience localized thunderstorms during the morning hours of Monday, while states like Kaduna, Bauchi, Adamawa, and Taraba can expect similar weather conditions in the afternoon and evening.
NiMet stated, “In the North Central region, localized thunderstorms are expected over parts of Niger and Kwara States during the morning hours.” The agency further predicted that the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kwara, and Kogi States would see thunderstorms later in the day.
In the southern part of the country, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, and Ondo States are expected to experience morning thunderstorms, with Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Enugu, Ekiti, and Delta States anticipated to witness storms in the afternoon and evening.
Thunderstorms Across the Nation
For Tuesday, NiMet’s forecast predicts morning thunderstorms over Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States in the northern region. In the afternoon, thunderstorms will affect areas including Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
In the North Central region, thunderstorms will continue to impact Plateau and Nasarawa during the morning, while later in the day, the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State will also be affected.
In the southern cities, thunderstorms are anticipated over Delta, Edo, and Ondo States in the morning, with states such as Anambra, Lagos, Rivers, and Bayelsa expected to see storms later in the day.
By Wednesday, NiMet expects thunderstorms in Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi States in the north, with storms later impacting Borno, Bauchi, and Jigawa States. Similar conditions are expected to persist in Nasarawa, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory in North Central Nigeria, while Benue will likely experience storms in the afternoon.
Warnings and Safety Measures
NiMet has also issued safety warnings, urging residents in flood-prone areas to exercise caution due to the risk of urban flooding, particularly in major cities where the downpour might be heavy. “Strong winds might precede the thunderstorms,” the agency cautioned.
The public has been advised to stay informed through weather updates provided by NiMet. “Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities,” the agency warned.
Additionally, airline operators have been urged to obtain airport-specific weather reports for their flight documentation to ensure safe operations. NiMet emphasized, “Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for effective planning.”
For more information, the public is encouraged to visit NiMet’s official website for detailed weather reports and updates.
