By Ayo Kehinde
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned Nigerians to prepare for widespread thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall expected across various parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday.
The agency, in its weather outlook released on Sunday, said the three days would be characterised by cloudy skies, thunderstorms and varying degrees of rainfall across the northern, North-Central and southern parts of the country.
NiMet’s warning comes with specific safety advice to residents and motorists as some of the forecast thunderstorms could be accompanied by strong winds capable of bringing down tree branches and loose objects.
The agency urged Nigerians to take precautions during periods of severe weather and remain updated through its regular weather forecasts.
For the northern region, NiMet forecast thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over parts of Adamawa, Kebbi and Taraba on Monday morning. It said thunderstorms with moderate rains were expected over most parts of the region later in the day.
In the North-Central region, the agency forecast thunderstorms with light rainfall over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Plateau and Benue states. Other affected states include Kogi, Nasarawa and Kwara, particularly during the morning hours.
NiMet said most parts of the North-Central region could experience thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall during the afternoon or evening.
Across the southern region, the agency forecast cloudy skies with prospects of light rainfall over parts of Ebonyi, Edo and Delta states. Other areas listed include Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states, particularly during the morning hours.
The agency said light rains were expected over parts of the South-East, South-South and South-West later on Monday.
On Tuesday, NiMet predicted patches of clouds across the northern region, with chances of thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Adamawa, Sokoto and Kebbi states.
Taraba was also expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall during the morning hours.
Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains were forecast over parts of Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states.
For the North-Central region, NiMet forecast cloudy skies during the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall later in the day.
The southern region is expected to remain cloudy, with prospects of light morning rains over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
The agency, however, forecast light rainfall over most parts of the southern region later on Tuesday.
NiMet’s forecast indicates that some parts of the country could experience more intense rainfall on Wednesday.
The agency envisaged partly cloudy skies across the northern region, with chances of morning thunderstorms over Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
Later in the day, thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall were expected over parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and Adamawa.
Heavy rainfall was also forecast in Taraba, Bauchi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina and Gombe states.
In the North-Central region, NiMet predicted cloudy skies during the morning, followed by thunderstorms with heavy rainfall later in the day.
Across the southern region, the agency forecast cloudy conditions with chances of light morning rains over parts of Imo, Abia, Rivers and Cross River.
Akwa Ibom was also expected to experience light morning rains, while most parts of the southern region could record heavy rainfall later in the day.
Beyond the rainfall forecast, NiMet drew attention to the hazards that could accompany thunderstorms, warning that strong winds could precede some of the storms.
The agency advised residents to fasten loose objects around their homes, offices and other locations to prevent them from being blown away and causing accidents or injuries.
Residents were also advised to stay away from tall trees during thunderstorms because strong winds could break branches or bring down trees.
Motorists were urged to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, particularly when visibility is poor and roads become hazardous.
NiMet further advised residents to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms as a precaution against electrical hazards.
The agency’s warning is particularly relevant to motorists and pedestrians as heavy rainfall can rapidly reduce visibility, make roads slippery and increase the risk of accidents.
NiMet also urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports and flight documentation from the agency to facilitate effective planning of flight operations.
“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.
The agency called on residents to remain informed through regular weather updates and take appropriate precautions whenever severe weather conditions are forecast.
