From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a mix of sunshine, cloudiness, and isolated thunderstorms across various parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday.
In its weather outlook released on Sunday, the agency predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds over the northern region during the morning hours.
According to the forecast, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected by afternoon and evening in parts of Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, and Kaduna states.
“For the central region, sunny skies with some cloud cover are anticipated in the morning. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms and moderate rain are expected in Plateau, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger states,” NiMet stated.
Cloudy skies are forecast for the southern region, with morning rains expected over Akwa Ibom, followed by thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall in parts of Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Ekiti, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
On Tuesday, thunderstorms with light rain are expected in parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Jigawa, while other parts of the North will see sunny weather with patches of clouds in the morning. Moderate rain is expected later in the day in Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, and Bauchi.
In the central region, morning thunderstorms and light rain are expected in the FCT, Benue, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, and Kogi. These states are also forecast to experience afternoon or evening thunderstorms with moderate rain.
The southern region will begin the day with cloudy skies, followed by thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall in the afternoon or evening, particularly in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Edo.
By Wednesday morning, thunderstorms with light rain are expected in Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto, while the rest of the North will remain sunny with cloud patches. Later in the day, moderate rainfall is expected in Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, and Kaduna.
In the central region, sunny skies with intervals of sunshine are predicted for the morning, while thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall are expected later in the day.
The southern region will remain cloudy in the morning, with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall anticipated in the afternoon and evening.
NiMet has advised the public to exercise caution due to expected strong winds accompanying the rains. The agency urged residents to secure loose items, avoid driving in heavy rain, disconnect electrical appliances during storms, and stay away from tall trees due to the risk of falling branches.
Airline operators are also advised to obtain airport-specific forecasts from NiMet for effective flight planning.
“Residents are encouraged to stay updated through NiMet’s official website: www.nimet.gov.ng,” the statement added.
