NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorms, heavy rainfall across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather forecast predicting moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across various parts of the country between Sunday, June 9, and Tuesday, June 11. The agency advised residents to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions.

In its weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja, NiMet said widespread rainfall is expected across the northern, central, and southern regions, with some areas likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds.

According to NiMet, early morning thunderstorms are likely over parts of Taraba and Adamawa states, with rainfall extending later in the day to Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, Jigawa, Borno, Gombe, and Bauchi.

In the North-Central region, cloudy conditions are expected in the morning, followed by thunderstorms and rain in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and Plateau states.

Southern states will begin the day with cloudy skies, with evening rain showers forecast in Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Edo, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa.

NiMet predicts morning thunderstorms with rain in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Bauchi. Later in the day, rainfall is expected to spread across Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Borno, and Kaduna.

The North-Central zone, including the FCT, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa, is likely to see morning thunderstorms, with evening rains anticipated in Plateau, Kwara, Benue, and Kogi.

In the southern region, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom may experience morning rainfall, with widespread rain expected across most southern states later in the day.

On Tuesday, isolated morning thunderstorms are expected in Zamfara and Kaduna. In the afternoon, rain is forecast for Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Gombe, and Borno.

In the North-Central region, Niger, Plateau, and Benue are expected to receive morning rain, while the FCT, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, and Benue may experience thunderstorms later in the day.

Southern states such as Lagos and Bayelsa are likely to see morning rainfall, followed by general rainfall across the entire region in the afternoon and evening.

NiMet warned that strong winds may accompany the thunderstorms, posing potential risks to lives and property.

“Ensure that loose objects are securely fastened to avoid damage or injury. Avoid driving during heavy downpours,” the agency cautioned.

Residents are also advised to unplug electrical appliances during thunderstorms, avoid sheltering under tall trees, and stay updated with NiMet forecasts. Airline operators are urged to obtain airport-specific weather information for effective flight planning.