NiMet warns of thunderstorms, sunshine mix nationwide

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has projected a blend of sunny spells, cloud cover and thunderstorms across the country from Monday through Wednesday, with varying intensities expected by region.

In its latest outlook issued in Abuja, the agency said the northern states would begin Monday with largely sunny skies, though thunderstorms could develop later in the day. It noted that Taraba and Adamawa may experience moderate rainfall early on, with wider storm activity forecast for Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba by afternoon and evening.

For the North Central zone, NiMet expects a cloudy start with intervals of sunshine.
“Cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated over the region during the morning hours with chances of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over Niger, Kogi, Kwara and the FCT,” the agency said.
It added that storms with moderate rainfall would likely extend to Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory later in the day.

Southern states are forecast to see cloud cover in the morning, followed by scattered thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across several areas including Abia, Enugu, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom. By evening, the storms are expected to spread further, affecting Oyo, Ebonyi, Osun, Ekiti, Anambra, Ondo, Ogun, Imo, Delta and Lagos.

On Tuesday, northern Nigeria is expected to open with sunny conditions before thunderstorms and moderate rainfall develop later in Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba. The North Central region will again experience cloudy skies with sunshine intervals, with storms anticipated in Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Nasarawa and Plateau.

“For the southern region, cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the region during the morning hours with chances of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Enugu, Imo, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross-River and Akwa-Ibom States,” it said.
“ There are prospects of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States during the afternoon or evening hours.”

By Wednesday, NiMet expects a return of sunny mornings in the North, with possible thunderstorms in Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa. Later in the day, rainfall is forecast in Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa.

The North Central region will continue to see cloudy mornings and sunshine intervals, followed by thunderstorms in Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.

“For the southern region, cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated over the region during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire southern region,” the agency said.

NiMet advised residents to take safety precautions, warning that strong winds may precede rainfall. It urged the public to secure loose objects, avoid driving in heavy rain, and unplug electrical appliances during storms.

“Residents are advised to stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.”

The agency also cautioned that high temperatures could cause discomfort, urging people to wear light clothing, remain in well-ventilated spaces and stay hydrated, while keeping up to date with forecasts via its official channels.