NIMET PREDICTS WIDESPREAD RAIN, THUNDERSTORMS FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a series of thundery and rainy weather conditions across the country from Friday through Sunday, advising the public to take precautionary measures.

In its weather outlook released on Thursday, NiMet predicted thunderstorms over parts of the northern region on Friday morning, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Gombe states. The rest of the North is expected to experience sunny skies with patches of clouds, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rains later in the afternoon or evening in areas including Adamawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, and others.

For the central region, sunny skies with chances of morning light rain are expected in Plateau and Nasarawa states, while light rains will likely extend to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Benue State by the evening.

Southern states including Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River will see cloudy skies with prospects of morning rain on Friday, with light rainfall expected later in the day across several others such as Edo, Delta, Enugu, Rivers, and Bayelsa.

Saturday’s forecast shows continued sunny conditions with cloud patches across the North, and thunderstorms expected by afternoon in states such as Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, and Bauchi. The central region, including FCT, Plateau, and Benue, is expected to receive morning rain, followed by light rainfall in areas like Kogi, Niger, and Kwara by evening.

In the South, light morning rains are likely in parts of Imo, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom, with widespread rainfall expected by afternoon across much of the region.

On Sunday, the North will experience sunny skies with thunderstorms forecast for Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, and Kebbi in the morning and later in the day. The central region will also see morning rain in Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and other parts, followed by light to moderate rainfall in the evening.

The South will witness a mix of sunshine, cloud cover, and light to moderate rainfall in places such as Enugu, Ondo, Cross River, Delta, and Bayelsa throughout the day.

NiMet warned that strong winds could precede the rainfall, especially in thunderstorm-prone areas. It urged the public to secure loose objects, avoid driving under heavy rain, unplug electrical appliances, and stay clear of tall trees.

Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports for safe flight planning.

“Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware and stay updated with daily forecasts,” NiMet concluded.