The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast rainy and thundery weather conditions across the country between Monday and Wednesday. In its outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, the agency said varying levels of rainfall and thunderstorms would affect the northern, central and southern regions throughout the period.
According to NiMet, the northern region will experience cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine, accompanied by light rains in parts of Adamawa and Taraba on Monday morning. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Southern Borno and Taraba. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the trend is expected to continue with thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall spreading across Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa and Bauchi.
In the central region, which covers states such as the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Benue and Kogi, cloudy conditions with sunny intervals are anticipated. NiMet projected that these areas will record thunderstorms with light rains in the mornings, while moderate rainfall and isolated thunderstorms will dominate the afternoons and evenings during the forecast period.
For the southern states, the agency predicted a mixture of cloudy skies and sunshine in the early hours of the day, followed by widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall as the day progresses. Areas likely to be affected include Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Anambra and Enugu. NiMet issued a specific warning of possible flash floods in Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Rivers and Akwa Ibom, urging state authorities to activate emergency response measures to mitigate impacts.
The agency further advised motorists to exercise caution while driving in wet conditions, and farmers to avoid applying fertilizer or pesticides immediately before rainfall to prevent nutrient wash-off. Residents were also urged to fasten loose objects, disconnect electrical appliances during storms, and avoid taking shelter under trees to reduce the risk of falling branches.
NiMet also reminded airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for proper planning of their operations.
NAN
