THE Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a mix of rainfall and sunshine across the country from Saturday to Monday, with thunderstorms expected in several states.
News Point Nigeria reports that the agency, in its weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja, forecast sunny skies over the northern region on Saturday, with a few patches of clouds expected across the area.
NiMet said isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall are likely over parts of Taraba State during the afternoon and evening hours.
For the North-Central region, the agency predicted a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine throughout the forecast period.
In the southern region, NiMet envisaged cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine, alongside prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The agency added that later in the day, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are expected over parts of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
For Sunday, NiMet forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the northern region, while isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall are expected in parts of Taraba State later in the day.
According to the agency, the North-Central region will continue to experience a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine throughout the forecast period.
NiMet also predicted cloudy conditions interspersed with sunshine over the southern region.
It said there are prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over parts of Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo and Delta states.
On Monday, the agency forecast sunny skies with a few patches of clouds across the northern region throughout the day.
According to NiMet, the North-Central region will maintain a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine during the period under review.
The agency further predicted cloudy conditions over the southern region, with intervals of sunshine and prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over parts of Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states later in the day.
NiMet warned that strong winds could precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are expected and advised residents to take necessary precautions.
“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precaution and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.
“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” the agency said.
The agency also advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to ensure effective planning and safe flight operations.
According to NiMet, temperatures are expected to remain high, causing thermal discomfort, and members of the public are urged to wear breathable clothing, stay in well-ventilated environments and remain adequately hydrated.