Sunshine and thundery weather are expected from Friday through Sunday across Nigeria, according to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
In Abuja on Friday, the NiMet weather forecast stated that the northern region would experience sunny sky with minor cloud patches.
NiMet predicts that thunderstorms may develop in the early morning hours over portions of the states of Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Sokoto, and Kebbi.
Over portions of the states of Jigawa, Bauchi, Adamawa, Yobe, Taraba, Gombe, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, and Katsina, thunderstorms are anticipated later in the day.
“Sunny skies with isolated patches of clouds are expected across the North Central region, with the possibility of thunderstorms early in the day over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau States.
Over portions of the Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory, thunderstorms are expected later in the day, according to the report.
The South’s inland states and coastal states are expected to have cloudy skies with thunderstorms possible. Rain is expected in the morning hours over portions of the states of Oyo, Osun, Edo, Ondo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Lagos, and Rivers.
Later in the day, it was predicted that thunderstorms with rain will be over parts of the states of Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Imo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
“On Saturday, clear skies with minimal patches of cloud are anticipated over the northern region, with the possibility of thunderstorms in the early morning hours over parts of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Zamfara, Taraba, and Kebbi States.
The afternoon/evening hours are predicted to bring thunderstorms to parts of the states of Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Bauchi.
Over the North Central area, “sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated with chances of morning thunderstorms over portions of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, and Benue States,” the report stated.
Over portions of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Kwara, and Benue States later in the day, thunderstorms are expected, according to NiMET.
In the morning hours, NiMet forecasted a gloomy atmosphere over parts of Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers state with a probability of thunderstorms and showers across inland towns in southern and coastal states.
In the later part of the day, it was predicted that thunderstorms with rain will pass across portions of the states of Ebonyi, Imo, Oyo, Osun, Edo, Ondo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ogun, as well as Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
The agency predicted clear skies and few clouds on Sunday, with the possibility of early thunderstorms over some of Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Taraba States. The Northern area would see sunny skies with few cloud patches.
“Sunny skies with isolated patches of cloud are expected across the North Central region later in the day, with the possibility of thunderstorms in the morning over parts of the Niger, Plateau, and Kwara States.
In the afternoon, bright skies with minor cloudy patches are anticipated.
With the possibility of thunderstorms over Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ado Ekiti, Lagos, Bayelsa, and Rivers in the early morning hours, the report predicted cloudy skies over southern inland cities and the coastal region.
After noon, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Abia States may see thunderstorms in the region’s gloomy environment.
NiMet reports that flash floods can occur after moderate to heavy rains. The general public is recommended to exercise the required caution to prevent driving through floodwaters and strolling through them.
“There is a good chance that the thunderstorms will be preceded by and accompanied by strong winds, particularly over the Northern region. Taking the essential safety precautions is urged to the public.
“Disaster Risk Managers, Agencies, and Individuals should be proactive to prevent loss of lives and property during the rainy season.
It stated that “all airline operators are advised to utilise weather reports/alerts from NiMet for effective planning of their operations.”