NIMET WARNS OF THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAIN ACROSS SEVERAL STATES

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has forecast thunderstorms and rainfall across different parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday, with some areas expected to experience moderate rain. The agency issued the prediction in its latest weather outlook released in Abuja on Sunday, warning that strong winds could accompany or precede thunderstorms in affected locations. Residents, motorists, farmers and other weather-sensitive groups were advised to pay attention to updates and take necessary precautions as the unsettled weather pattern develops.

For Monday, NiMet predicted thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Taraba and Kebbi during the morning hours, while scattered thunderstorms and moderate rainfall were expected over parts of the North-East, Kaduna, Taraba and Kebbi later in the day. In the North-Central region, parts of Niger State were expected to record thunderstorms and light rain in the morning, followed by thunderstorms with moderate rainfall over most parts of the region in the afternoon or evening. Across the South, cloudy conditions were expected in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River before thunderstorms and light rain spread to other areas later in the day.

The weather outlook for Tuesday indicated patches of cloud over the northern region in the morning, with thunderstorms and light rain expected over parts of Taraba. NiMet said most parts of the North would experience thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain during the afternoon or evening. In the North-Central region, partly cloudy conditions were forecast in the morning before thunderstorms and moderate rainfall developed over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau states later in the day. The southern region was also expected to remain mostly cloudy in the morning, followed by thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and the South-South.

For Wednesday, NiMet forecast partly cloudy conditions over the northern region during the morning, with thunderstorms and moderate rainfall expected over Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba states. The agency also predicted thunderstorms and moderate rain across most parts of the northern region later in the day. In the North-Central region, isolated thunderstorms and light rain were expected over parts of the FCT, Plateau, Niger and Nasarawa in the morning, while most parts of the region could experience thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later. Southern states were also expected to have cloudy skies in the morning, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rainfall over most areas later in the day.

NiMet warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms in areas where rainfall is expected and urged residents to secure loose objects to prevent injuries or damage. Motorists were advised to avoid driving during periods of heavy rainfall, while residents were encouraged to disconnect electrical appliances from sockets during thunderstorms. The agency also cautioned people to stay away from tall trees because of the risk of falling branches or broken trees. Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports and relevant flight documentation for proper operational planning, while the public was encouraged to remain informed through regular weather updates from NiMet.