The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released a detailed three-day weather forecast, cautioning Nigerians to prepare for thunderstorms and varying levels of rainfall across different regions of the country between Friday, August 23, and Sunday, August 25.
In its weather outlook issued on Thursday in Abuja, the agency explained that the weather pattern would be dominated by thunderstorms in the northern region, moderate rainfall across the central belt, and cloudy skies with light to moderate rains in the southern states.
NiMet stated that by Friday morning, parts of the northern states — including Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna — would be affected by thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall.
These conditions are expected to persist into the afternoon and evening hours, spreading to wider parts of the North.
For the central region, residents of Niger, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Plateau are likely to witness light rains in the morning.
Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are anticipated over these same areas, creating a wet afternoon and evening across much of the Middle Belt.
In the southern region, cloudy skies are forecast during the early hours, with chances of light rain over Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Cross River States.
By afternoon and evening, rainfall is expected to intensify, extending across Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.
Saturday
On Saturday morning, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are predicted over Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, and Taraba States.
As the day progresses, similar weather is expected to continue in Borno, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, and Taraba.
In the central region, parts of the FCT, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Benue, and Kwara are likely to see light rainfall in the morning.
By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms with moderate rains could affect some of these areas, especially Nasarawa and Benue.
Southern states will begin the day with cloudy skies and prospects of light showers over Enugu, Imo, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
Later in the day, rainfall is predicted to spread widely, covering much of the South, with many states experiencing sustained wet conditions into the evening.
Sunday
NiMet further projected that Sunday would maintain a similar weather pattern. In the morning, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected in Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Borno States. By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms are forecast in Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, and Katsina.
For central states, cloudy skies are predicted in the morning with light rainfall expected in the FCT, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Benue.
Later in the day, more rainfall is likely across Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and the FCT, signaling an extended wet spell across the Middle Belt.
In the South, cloudy skies with morning showers are expected in Imo, Enugu, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, and Bayelsa.
By afternoon and evening, rains will spread to other states such as Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Enugu, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa.
The agency emphasized the need for Nigerians to take precautionary measures during this period of increased rainfall and storm activity.
Motorists were strongly advised to avoid driving during heavy rainfall to prevent accidents, flooding risks, and reduced visibility.
Farmers were cautioned not to apply fertilizers or pesticides just before rainfall, as the rains could wash away nutrients and reduce the effectiveness of agro-chemicals.
This advice comes at a critical time for the agricultural sector, as the rainy season intensifies.
NiMet also highlighted health and safety precautions. Vulnerable individuals, including children and the elderly, are urged to wear warm clothing at night due to cooler night-time temperatures expected after rainfall.
Residents are advised to secure loose objects around their homes to prevent damage from strong winds and to avoid taking shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms due to the risk of falling branches and lightning strikes.
Furthermore, households are advised to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets to minimize the risk of damage during storms.
For the aviation industry, NiMet advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from the agency before flights.
This, it stressed, is vital for safe and effective planning of operations, especially with thunderstorms expected across several regions.
NiMet urged Nigerians to remain informed by regularly following its official updates. The agency encouraged citizens to make use of its website and communication platforms to stay ahead of the changing weather conditions.
“Our forecasts are meant to safeguard lives and property. The public should adhere strictly to safety advisories and keep updated on changes in the weather,” NiMet emphasized.