Rain, thunderstorms expected in Nigerian cities from Saturday to Monday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather forecast predicting widespread thundery and rainy activities across the country from Saturday through Monday.

In its outlook released on Friday in Abuja, NiMet indicated early morning thunderstorms on Saturday over parts of Taraba, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Adamawa States. While in the day, thunderstorms with rain are expected in Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Borno, Kaduna, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi.

According to the prediction, early morning thunderstorms are likely in Benue, Plateau, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Nasarawa. These weather conditions are expected to intensify later in the day across the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, and Plateau.

In the Southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected in the morning, with chances of rain over Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa. By afternoon and evening, isolated thunderstorms with rain may affect Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, and other southern states.

Also, Sunday’s forecast shows a continuation of similar patterns. Morning thunderstorms are expected over Kaduna, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba in the North, with later thunderstorms affecting more northern states including Zamfara, Gombe, and Bauchi.

North-Central states like Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, and the FCT may experience morning cloud patches with intervals of sunshine, followed by rain and thunderstorms later in the day.

Southern states such as Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River will have morning thunderstorms, with widespread isolated thunderstorms anticipated later.

By Monday, morning thunderstorms are forecast over Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba, with heavier rain and storms developing in Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, and Bauchi by evening.

In the North-Central zone, intermittent sunshine with cloudy skies will dominate the morning, with thunderstorms expected later across the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, and Niger.

Southern Nigeria will begin the day with cloudy weather and possible rain over Ogun, Edo, Ondo, Delta, and Bayelsa, followed by isolated thunderstorms across the entire southern belt.

NiMet therefore warned that strong winds may precede rain in storm-prone areas and urged the public to take necessary precautions.

“Ensure loose objects are fastened to prevent collisions. Avoid driving during heavy rain. Disconnect electrical appliances from power sources and stay away from tall trees to avoid falling branches,” NiMet cautioned.

Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific weather updates for effective flight planning, while residents were encouraged to remain informed.