The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a combination of sunshine, cloud cover and rainfall across Nigeria from Saturday to Monday, with thunderstorms expected in several parts of the country.
In its weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja, the agency said northern Nigeria will experience predominantly sunny weather on Saturday, with patches of cloud expected across the region. It also forecast isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall over parts of Taraba State later in the day.
For the North Central region, NiMet predicted cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine throughout Saturday.
In the southern region, the agency forecast cloudy conditions with sunny spells and a likelihood of light thunderstorms over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the day. Moderate thunderstorms are also expected later on Saturday across parts of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
On Sunday, NiMet said the northern states will continue to experience mostly sunny conditions with patches of cloud, while isolated thunderstorms with light to moderate rainfall are expected over parts of Taraba State during the afternoon and evening.
The North Central region is forecast to remain cloudy with intervals of sunshine, while the South is expected to experience cloudy weather with sunny intervals and moderate thunderstorms across parts of Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo and Delta states later in the day.
For Monday, the agency predicted continued sunny conditions with patches of cloud across the northern region, while the North Central states are expected to experience cloudy skies with periods of sunshine.
In the South, NiMet forecast cloudy conditions with sunny spells and moderate thunderstorms over parts of Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states later in the day.
The agency advised residents in areas likely to experience thunderstorms to take necessary precautions, warning that strong winds could precede rainfall.
“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure loose objects are secured to prevent damage,” the agency said.
NiMet also advised motorists to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, urged residents to disconnect electrical appliances during storms, and warned against taking shelter under tall trees because of the risk of falling branches.
The agency further advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for effective flight planning.
It also warned that temperatures are expected to remain high during the forecast period, urging Nigerians to wear light clothing, stay in well-ventilated environments and drink plenty of water to avoid heat-related illnesses.