Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a forecast predicting rainy and thundery weather conditions across the country from Monday to Wednesday.
According to a weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, "isolated thunderstorms" are expected in several regions, with light rains in parts of Adamawa and Taraba during the morning hours on Monday.
In the northern region, NiMet predicts thunderstorms and light rains in areas such as Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, Bauchi, Southern Borno, and Taraba later in the day. "For the central region, a cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is expected," the agency noted. The forecast also includes prospects of thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, and Nasarawa state in the morning. During the afternoon and evening, more widespread thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated in these areas.
In the southern region, a similar cloudy weather pattern with intermittent sunshine is expected. "Isolated thunderstorms with light rains" are forecast for parts of Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom in the morning hours. The agency anticipates thunderstorms with moderate rains later in the day across most of the region.
By Wednesday, the outlook suggests a continuation of a cloudy atmosphere over the northern region with isolated thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba states. NiMet also predicts thunderstorms in the central region, especially over Plateau and Nasarawa states in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms expected later in the day.
In the southern region, cloudy skies with prospects of light rains over parts of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states are forecast for the morning. Thunderstorms and moderate rains are likely to affect most of the region as the day progresses.
NiMet has advised local authorities in states likely to experience flash floods to activate emergency plans and urged the public to drive with caution in the rain. The agency also recommended that farmers avoid applying fertilizers or pesticides just before the rains to prevent nutrient leaching and advised residents to secure loose objects, disconnect electrical appliances, and stay away from tall trees to prevent accidents from fallen branches.
"Airline operators are encouraged to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to assist in planning their flights," the agency stated.
For more detailed weather updates, NiMet has urged the public to regularly check its website at www.nimet.gov.ng.