The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a detailed weather forecast for the nation, projecting a combination of sunshine, cloud cover, and intermittent rainfall spanning Monday through Wednesday. The outlook, released on Sunday in Abuja, highlights regional weather variations that Nigerians should prepare for over the next three days.
In the northern states, residents can expect predominantly sunny mornings with scattered clouds. However, by afternoon and evening, isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are anticipated in Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, and Kaduna.
NiMet’s forecast for the central region indicates a similar pattern, with sunny skies and some cloud cover in the morning. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected across Plateau, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger States.
The southern part of Nigeria will experience cloudy conditions in the mornings, with rain showers likely over Akwa Ibom. This will give way to thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall in several states including Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Ekiti, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, NiMet forecasts morning thunderstorms with light rain in northern states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Jigawa. The rest of the northern region will enjoy sunny weather with some cloud patches. In the afternoon, moderate rain is expected in Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, and Bauchi.
Central Nigeria will experience morning thunderstorms with light rain in the FCT, Benue, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, and Kogi, followed by moderate rains later in the day. The southern region will see cloudy skies in the morning, transitioning to thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rain in the afternoon or evening, particularly in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Edo.
By Wednesday, thunderstorms with light rain will occur in Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto during the morning hours, while other northern states will have sunny weather with cloud patches. Moderate rainfall is forecast for Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, and Kaduna later in the day.
Central Nigeria is expected to have sunny intervals in the morning, with thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rain developing later. The southern region will start cloudy, progressing to thunderstorms and heavy rain in the afternoon and evening.
NiMet has urged the public to take precautionary measures due to the possibility of strong winds preceding thunderstorms. The agency advised securing loose objects to prevent damage, avoiding driving during heavy rains, disconnecting electrical appliances during storms, and steering clear of tall trees to avoid falling branches.
“Airline operators are advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for effective flight planning. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following updates via NiMet’s official website: www.nimet.gov.ng,” the forecast concluded.