By Muhammad Mamman
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a dynamic spell of thunderstorms and rainfall sweeping across the nation from Friday to Sunday. In a detailed weather bulletin released on Thursday in Abuja, NiMet advises residents to stay vigilant and monitor updates via its official website, www.nimet.gov.ng.
Friday Forecast: Widespread Thunderstorms and Showers
Expect a turbulent start to the weekend, with morning thunderstorms and moderate rainfall predicted for parts of Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna States. By afternoon and evening, these conditions are set to intensify, enveloping most of the northern region.
In the central states, light showers are likely over Niger, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Plateau during the morning, escalating to thunderstorms with moderate rain in the afternoon and evening.
The southern region will see cloudy skies with light rain possible in Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Cross River States in the morning. By afternoon, light showers are expected to spread across Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, and beyond.
Saturday: Storms Persist in the North
Saturday brings more thunderstorms and moderate rainfall to Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, and Taraba States in the morning, with Borno, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, and Taraba facing further storms later in the day.
Central regions, including the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Benue, and Kwara, can expect light morning showers, while the south will remain cloudy with light rain in Enugu, Imo, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom during the morning, spreading to most southern states by evening.
Sunday: Unsettled Weather Continues
On Sunday, the northern region will see morning thunderstorms and moderate rainfall in Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Borno, with Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, and Katsina facing similar conditions into the afternoon.
The central region will be cloudy with light showers in the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Benue in the morning, extending to Niger, Kogi, and Kwara later. In the south, cloudy skies will dominate, with light rain forecast for Imo, Enugu, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, and Bayelsa in the morning, and Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Imo, Enugu, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa by evening.
Safety and Preparedness Advice
NiMet urges the public to exercise caution, advising drivers to avoid travel during heavy downpours and farmers to hold off on applying fertilisers or pesticides before rain to prevent nutrient leaching. Vulnerable individuals should dress warmly, and households are reminded to unplug electrical appliances and avoid sheltering under tall trees during storms.
Airline operators are strongly encouraged to consult NiMet’s airport-specific weather reports for safe and efficient flight planning.
Stay Informed
NiMet emphasises the importance of staying updated with real-time weather alerts. Visit www.nimet.gov.ng for the latest forecasts and guidance to navigate this turbulent weather period safely.
