By Atoyebi Nike
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has projected widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Sunday through Tuesday, warning the public to brace for potentially strong winds and hazardous weather.
In its latest outlook released Saturday in Abuja, the agency said northern states such as Taraba and Adamawa would experience morning thunderstorms on Sunday, with storms extending into the afternoon in parts of Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Jigawa, Borno, and Bauchi.
The North-Central region will wake to a cloudy sky, with thunderstorms expected later in the day across the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and Plateau.
In the South, cloudy conditions will dominate the morning. By afternoon, rain showers are forecast in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, and several other states across the region.
Continued Rainfall into Monday and Tuesday
Monday morning may bring early rain to Sokoto, Zamfara, and Bauchi. Thunderstorms are likely by evening in Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, and Jigawa, among others. The North-Central belt will again face storms in the FCT, Kogi, and Nasarawa, followed by heavier downpours later in Plateau and Kwara.
In the South, early rains are likely in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom, with wider showers expected later across the coastal states.
By Tuesday, isolated morning storms are forecast in Kaduna and Zamfara. More intense activity is predicted in the afternoon across Gombe, Borno, Taraba, and Kano. The North-Central zone will continue to experience thunderstorms, especially in Niger, Plateau, and Benue. Rain is also expected throughout the day in southern states like Lagos and Bayelsa.
Precautionary Measures Advised
NiMet cautioned Nigerians to remain alert, noting that strong winds could precede rainfall in some areas. The agency urged residents to secure loose items, avoid sheltering under trees, and unplug electrical devices during storms.
Airline operators were advised to seek airport-specific forecasts for flight planning, while the public was encouraged to monitor daily updates to stay informed.
