The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a mixture of weather conditions across the country between Sunday and Tuesday, with thunderstorms, sunshine, and hazy skies expected in various regions.
In its three-day weather outlook released in Abuja on Saturday, the agency warned of a dynamic pattern that will see fluctuating weather, particularly as the rainy season gradually strengthens in the southern parts of the country.
On Sunday, northern states were expected to witness predominantly sunny skies in the morning.
However, thunderstorms are projected to develop by afternoon and evening in parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa. In the North Central region, clear morning skies will give way to isolated thunderstorms in states such as Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi later in the day.
Southern Nigeria will experience increased thunderstorm activity beginning Sunday morning, with storms forecast in Cross River, Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.
These storms are expected to persist or redevelop in the evening, suggesting unsettled conditions throughout the day.
By Monday, northern states will continue to experience sunny spells, though Taraba and Adamawa may see thunderstorms in the morning. In the afternoon and evening, weather disturbances are expected in Kaduna, Taraba, and Adamawa. North Central areas, including the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Plateau, are likely to experience isolated thunderstorms after an initially calm morning.
Southern states will again face thunderstorms in the early hours, particularly in Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom. These conditions are likely to persist into the evening, signalling an intensification of wet season weather in the region.
On Tuesday, early morning thunderstorms are forecast in parts of Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa. Later in the day, thunderstorms could affect Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, and Taraba, potentially accompanied by gusty winds and hazy skies, which could reduce visibility.
The North Central states will experience a combination of sunshine and cloud cover, with the likelihood of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening in areas such as the FCT, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, and Niger. In the southern region, residents in Cross River, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom should brace for continued thunderstorms throughout the day.
NiMet has advised Nigerians to take precautionary measures during this period, warning that strong winds usually accompany thunderstorms.
The agency urged the public to avoid sheltering under trees during storms, secure loose outdoor items, unplug electrical appliances, and reduce unnecessary movement during heavy downpours.
Airline operators and aviation stakeholders have been encouraged to remain in regular consultation with NiMet’s forecasts to ensure safety and avoid operational disruptions.
