Gladness Gideon
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather forecast predicting widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across various parts of the country from Wednesday, June 12, to Friday, June 14.
In its weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja, NiMet warned of potential early morning thunderstorms on Wednesday in parts of Taraba, Kaduna, and Adamawa States in the northern region.
It projected further thunderstorms and rainfall later in the day across Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi States.
The North Central region is expected to experience early morning thunderstorms over Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Nasarawa, with more rainfall likely later in the day over the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, and Plateau.
In the southern region, morning rainfall is anticipated over parts of Ondo, Ekiti, and Edo States. By afternoon and evening, isolated thunderstorms are expected to sweep across states including Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers.
Thursday Forecast
NiMet forecasts morning thunderstorms over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, and Taraba in the north. Later in the day, rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to persist across Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe, and Bauchi.
In North Central, morning storms may affect Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, and the FCT, with afternoon rain forecast for the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and Plateau.
Southern states such as Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River are expected to see morning thunderstorms, followed by widespread isolated thunderstorms over most southern states later in the day.
Friday Outlook
For Friday, NiMet anticipates morning storms over Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, and Taraba. Thunderstorms and rain are also expected in the afternoon in Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna, and Bauchi.
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Cloudy skies with sunny intervals are forecast in the North Central region, with prospects of rain and thunderstorms in the FCT, Nasarawa, Kwara, and Niger. Afternoon rainfall is likely over Kwara, Benue, and Kogi.
The southern region will see morning rainfall in Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, with broader isolated thunderstorms later in the day.
Safety Advisory
NiMet advised the public to take safety precautions ahead of the anticipated weather conditions.
“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision,” the agency warned.
NiMet further advised against driving during heavy rainfall and urged residents to unplug electrical appliances during storms. People are also encouraged to stay clear of tall trees and exposed structures during thunderstorms.
Airline operators were urged to obtain location-specific weather information from NiMet for safe and efficient flight planning.
The agency’s update comes amid Nigeria’s ongoing rainy season and underscores the need for proactive weather preparedness across the country.