NiMet predicts 3 days of cloudiness, thunderstorms across the country

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted three days of cloudiness and thunderstorms across the country from Friday to Sunday.

The agency’s weather outlook, which was released on Thursday, said there will be cloudy skies and thunderstorms in the morning hours over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Yobe, Zamfara, Gombe, Kebbi, Kaduna, Katsina and Kano states.

NiMet predicted thunderstorms in the later hours of the day over parts of Edo, Imo, Ondo, Ogun, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Delta states, as well as sunny skies with patches of clouds in the northern region on Sunday.

“Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the North central region with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger and Kogi states,” the forecast reads.

“Further into the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Kwara and Kogi states.

“Cloudy morning is envisaged for inland states of South and Coast with prospects of thunderstorms and rains over parts of Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ondo, Edo, Ogun, Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.

“Later in the day, there are chances of thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara states.

“Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the North central region in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Bauchi states. Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kwara, Benue and Niger states.”

NiMet also predicted chances of heavy rainfall, while urging disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals to be proactive to avert loss of lives and property during the rainy season.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ondo, Edo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Delta states,” the agency said.

“For areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede the rains and as such, trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may be felled.

“So the public is advised to be cautious. Stay indoors, especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.

“All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods. The public is advised to take necessary caution.”