NiMet Forecasts Three-Day Nationwide Thunderstorms, Rainfall
BY GLORY UGOBA
THE Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a spell of thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Monday through Wednesday, cautioning residents, motorists, farmers, and airline operators to take necessary precautions.
In its weather outlook released Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected Monday morning in Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States. The northern region is forecast to experience widespread thunderstorms later in the day, with a likelihood of flash floods in Adamawa, Taraba, and Gombe.
For the central region, NiMet projected a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine on Monday morning, followed by moderate rains in Niger, Kogi, Kwara, the FCT, and Benue. Thunderstorms are anticipated later in the day.
In the south, cloudy skies are expected Monday morning with moderate rains likely in Ekiti, Ondo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. Moderate rainfall is also forecast across most of the region by afternoon and evening.
Tuesday’s Outlook
According to NiMet, the northern region will begin Tuesday with cloudy skies and sunshine intervals, before thunderstorms and moderate rains spread across Borno, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, and Adamawa. Later, the system is expected to intensify over Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Taraba.
In the central states, cloudy skies and brief sunshine are expected in the morning, giving way to thunderstorms and rains in Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, and the FCT by afternoon.
Southern states including Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Delta will see cloudy conditions with chances of morning rainfall, followed by light to moderate rains later in the day.
Wednesday’s Outlook
NiMet’s forecast for Wednesday indicates cloudy skies with sunshine intervals over the north, with slim chances of thunderstorms in Sokoto and Zamfara during the morning hours. By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto.
In the central region, light rains are likely in the morning over the FCT, Kogi, Kwara, and Niger, while thunderstorms with moderate rains are forecast for Benue, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger later in the day. The southern region will experience cloudy skies in the morning, with moderate rains expected by evening.
Advisory
NiMet urged motorists to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, and advised farmers against applying fertilisers or pesticides immediately before rainfall to prevent nutrient loss.
The agency also cautioned residents to fasten loose objects, disconnect electrical appliances, and avoid seeking shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms. Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific forecasts for effective planning.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather conditions through NiMet’s official website: www.nimet.gov.ng.
