NiMet Forecasts Three Days of Thunderstorms, Rainfall Across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted widespread thunderstorms, cloudy weather and moderate rainfall across several parts of Nigeria from Wednesday, August 5, to Friday, August 7.

In its latest weather outlook released on Wednesday in Abuja, the agency said states in the northern, North-Central and southern regions should prepare for varying levels of rainfall and thunderstorms over the three-day period.

NiMet also warned that some of the thunderstorms could be accompanied by strong winds and urged residents to take necessary safety precautions.

Northern Region

According to the agency, Wednesday morning will begin with cloudy conditions across the North, with thunderstorms and moderate rainfall expected in parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa states.

The weather system is expected to extend to Kaduna State and other parts of the North-East later in the day.

For Thursday, NiMet forecast continued cloudy skies, with morning thunderstorms and moderate rainfall likely in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe, before spreading across most parts of the region later in the afternoon and evening.

On Friday, early morning thunderstorms and rainfall are expected in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba states before expanding to other northern states later in the day.

North-Central Region

NiMet predicted cloudy weather over the North-Central on Wednesday, with morning thunderstorms and light rainfall expected in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau and Nasarawa states.

By afternoon and evening, moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast for Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau and the FCT.

The agency said widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall will persist across the region on Thursday.

On Friday, light morning showers are expected in parts of Nasarawa and Benue, while heavier rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across the region later in the day.

Southern Region

For the South, NiMet forecast generally cloudy skies on Wednesday morning, with light rainfall expected in parts of the South-South.

Moderate rainfall is expected later in Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, as well as states in the South-East and South-South.

On Thursday, moderate rainfall is forecast for parts of Ondo and the South-South during the day, with more rainfall expected across the South-East and South-South later in the evening.

By Friday, light morning rainfall is likely in the South-South, while moderate rainfall is expected later in Ondo, Oyo, Enugu, Imo and other parts of the South-East and South-South.

Safety Advisory

NiMet cautioned that strong winds may precede rainfall in areas expected to experience thunderstorms and advised residents to secure loose objects to prevent damage.

The agency also urged motorists to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, disconnect electrical appliances during storms and stay away from tall trees to reduce the risk of injuries from falling branches or uprooted trees.

In addition, airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather updates from NiMet to aid flight planning and ensure safe operations, while members of the public were encouraged to stay informed through the agency’s regular weather forecasts.