The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast thunderstorms and rainfall across several parts of Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday, warning that strong winds could precede storms in some areas.
In its latest weather outlook, issued on Sunday, the agency predicted varying levels of rainfall across the northern, North-Central and southern regions.
For Monday, NiMet forecast morning thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Taraba and Kebbi states, with scattered thunderstorms and moderate rainfall expected across parts of the North-East, Kaduna, Taraba and Kebbi later in the day.
In the North-Central region, parts of Niger State could experience thunderstorms and light rain in the morning, while most parts of the region are expected to record thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain in the afternoon or evening.
Across the southern region, NiMet forecast cloudy conditions in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. More thunderstorms and light rain are expected later in the day.
The agency said similar conditions would persist on Tuesday, with thunderstorms and moderate rainfall expected across several northern states.
For the North-Central region, parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau states are expected to experience thunderstorms and moderate rain later in the day.
Southern states, including Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and parts of the South-South, are also expected to experience thunderstorms and light rainfall.
By Wednesday, NiMet forecast thunderstorms and moderate rain across several northern states, including Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba.
Parts of the FCT, Plateau, Niger and Nasarawa are also expected to experience isolated thunderstorms and light rain, with moderate rainfall forecast across most parts of the North-Central region later in the day.
The southern region is expected to remain cloudy, with thunderstorms and moderate rainfall likely across most areas later on Wednesday.
NiMet warned that strong winds could accompany thunderstorms and advised residents to take precautions, particularly by securing loose objects that could be blown away.
The agency also urged motorists to avoid driving during heavy rainfall and advised residents to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms.
It further warned people to stay away from tall trees during storms because of the risk of falling branches and trees.
Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to support safe flight planning.
NiMet urged members of the public to remain alert and follow its weather updates as the forecast period progresses.
