The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its weather outlook for the upcoming weekend, predicting a mix of sunshine and cloudiness across the nation. The outlook, issued on Thursday in Abuja, forecasts sunny conditions with patches of clouds over the northern region, along with early morning thunderstorms in parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states.
According to NiMet, there is a possibility of thunderstorms developing across the entire northern region later in the day. In the North Central region, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is expected, with the likelihood of early morning rains in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Benue, and Niger states. Later in the day, thunderstorms with intermittent rains are anticipated in the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, and Niger states.
For the southern region, NiMet predicts a cloudy atmosphere over inland states and coastal cities, with the possibility of early morning rains in coastal areas. Thunderstorms with intermittent rains are expected later in the day across the entire southern region.
The weather outlook for Saturday indicates sunny skies with patches of clouds over the northern region, accompanied by early morning thunderstorms in parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, and Adamawa states. Later in the day, thunderstorms are forecasted in parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Borno, and Adamawa states. In the North Central region, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is expected, followed by thunderstorms with intermittent rains in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Niger states.
The southern region is likely to experience cloudy skies over inland states and coastal areas, with the possibility of morning rains in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states. Later in the day, there is a chance of thunderstorms with intermittent rains over the entire southern region.
On Sunday, NiMet predicts sunny skies with patches of clouds over the northern region, along with the possibility of thunderstorms developing during the afternoon and evening hours. In the North Central region, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is expected, followed by thunderstorms with intermittent rains across the entire region in the afternoon and evening. The southern region is likely to experience cloudy skies over inland areas and coastal regions, with the prospect of thunderstorms and intermittent rains during the afternoon and evening hours.
NiMet advises caution in areas where thunderstorms are expected, as strong winds may precede the rainfall, posing risks to trees, electric poles, unsecured objects, and weak buildings. The public is urged to stay indoors, especially during heavy rainfall, to avoid being struck by lightning. Airline operators are advised to monitor weather reports from NiMet for effective planning of their operations. Moderate to heavy rainfall may also lead to flash floods, so the public is advised to clear drainages and take necessary precautions. Disaster risk managers, agencies, and individuals are encouraged to be proactive in order to prevent loss of lives and property during the rainy season.