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NiMet forecasts thunderstorms and moderate rains across several states and the FCT from Monday to Wednesday, with the entire southern region expected to experience rainfall later in the day.
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The weather agency warns that strong winds may precede thunderstorms, urging residents to secure loose objects and motorists to avoid driving through floodwaters.
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NiMet raises concern over possible flash floods in coastal areas of the South as continuous rainfall is expected, while airline operators are advised to obtain location-specific weather reports.
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The agency says residents should disconnect electrical appliances during storms, stay away from tall trees and monitor its weather updates for timely information.
August 31, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across several parts of the country between Monday and Wednesday, raising concerns over possible flash floods, strong winds and other weather-related hazards.
The agency, in its three-day weather outlook released in Abuja on Sunday, predicted varying weather conditions across the northern, North Central and southern parts of the country, with thunderstorms expected to become more widespread during the afternoon and evening hours.
NiMet advised members of the public to take adequate precautions in areas where thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected, particularly as strong winds could precede the rains.
For Monday, the agency forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the northern region during the morning hours. It, however, predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Taraba, Adamawa and Kaduna States in the morning.
Later in the afternoon or evening, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba States.
In the North Central region, NiMet forecast thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory in the morning.
The agency said thunderstorms with moderate rains would later affect parts of Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Niger and Nasarawa States, as well as the FCT.
The southern region is also expected to experience rainfall on Monday, with moderate rains forecast over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Lagos and Bayelsa States during the morning hours.
NiMet predicted moderate rains across the entire southern region later in the day.
Tuesday Forecast
For Tuesday, NiMet forecast thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa and Taraba States in the northern region during the morning hours.
It said thunderstorms with moderate rains would spread to parts of Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa States in the afternoon or evening.
In the North Central, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Niger and Kwara States and the FCT during the morning hours.
“Later during the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated across the region,” the agency stated.
NiMet predicted light rains over parts of Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Rivers States in the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains across the entire southern region later in the day.
Wednesday Outlook
On Wednesday, the weather agency predicted partly cloudy skies over the northern region, with chances of thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Bauchi, Jigawa and Yobe States during the morning hours. It said thunderstorms with moderate rains were expected across the northern region during the afternoon and evening.
For the North Central, NiMet forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds in the morning, followed by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains across the entire region later in the day.
A cloudy atmosphere is expected over the southern region, with prospects of light rains over parts of Edo, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States during the morning.
According to the agency, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected across the entire southern region later on Wednesday.
NiMet Issues Safety Advisory
Against the backdrop of the forecast, NiMet urged residents to take precautions and secure loose objects that could be blown away or cause collisions during thunderstorms.
The agency warned that strong winds might precede rainfall in areas affected by thunderstorms, potentially causing damage to property, trees and infrastructure.
It also raised concerns about possible flash floods, particularly in coastal areas of the South where continuous rainfall is expected.
“Drivers should avoid driving or wading through flood waters. Driving under heavy rain should be avoided,” NiMet advised.
It further urged residents to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms and avoid staying close to tall trees because of the risk of falling branches or trees.
The agency also advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to enable them to plan and conduct flight operations safely and effectively.
NiMet urged the public to remain vigilant and regularly monitor its weather updates for changes in conditions.
It said additional information and updates are available on its official website, www.nimet.gov.ng.
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