The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy and thundery weather conditions across the country from Wednesday to Friday.
In its weather outlook released in Abuja, NiMet forecast patches of clouds over the northern region on Wednesday, with prospects of morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Taraba and Kebbi.
The agency predicted isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna states later in the day.
“For the North-Central region, thunderstorms accompanied by light rains are expected over parts of Nasarawa, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory during the morning hours.
“During the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over most parts of the region,” it said.
NiMet forecast a cloudy atmosphere over the southern region, with prospects of morning rains over parts of Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states.
It predicted moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day.
The agency forecast patches of clouds over the northern region on Thursday, with prospects of morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Jigawa, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Kaduna states.
“Later during the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba states.
“For the North-Central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected, with prospects of morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger and Benue states.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region,” NiMet said.
It predicted light rains over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the morning hours in the southern region.
The agency envisaged continuous rains over most parts of the region later in the day.
NiMet forecast a high possibility of flooding over parts of Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the forecast period.
For Friday, it anticipated partly cloudy skies over the northern region, with chances of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over Taraba and Adamawa states during the morning hours.
According to NiMet, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba states by the afternoon or evening hours.
“Sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the central region, with chances of thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated in most parts of the region.
“A cloudy atmosphere is expected over the southern region, with prospects of moderate rains over parts of Ondo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the morning hours,” it said.
The agency predicted moderate rains over most parts of the southern region later in the day.
According to NiMet, strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely.
The agency urged the public to take adequate precautions and ensure loose objects are secured to avoid collisions.
“The states with the possibility of flash floods should activate the emergency response system immediately.
Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.
“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees. Airline operators are advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning of their operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet,” it said.
