The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread cloudy conditions, thunderstorms and rainfall across Nigeria from Wednesday through Friday, warning that some states may experience flash flooding during the period.
In its latest weather outlook released in Abuja, the agency predicted that parts of the northern region would experience patches of clouds on Wednesday morning, with thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall expected in parts of Taraba and Kebbi states.
As the day progresses, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are forecast across Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna states.
For the North Central region, NiMet projected morning thunderstorms with light rainfall over parts of Nasarawa, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.
The agency added that moderate thunderstorms and rainfall are expected to spread across most parts of the region during the afternoon and evening hours.
In the southern region, NiMet forecast cloudy skies with morning rainfall over Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states.
The agency stated that rainfall is expected to intensify later in the day, with moderate showers likely across most southern states.
For Thursday, NiMet predicted patches of clouds over the northern states, with morning thunderstorms and light rainfall expected over Jigawa, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Kaduna states.
Later on Thursday, moderate thunderstorms and rainfall are expected over Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba states.
In the North Central zone, sunny conditions mixed with patches of clouds are expected during the early hours, while light thunderstorms and rainfall are forecast over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger and Benue states.
The agency said the weather would become wetter later in the day, with moderate thunderstorms and rainfall anticipated across the region.
For southern Nigeria, NiMet forecast light rainfall during the morning over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The rains are expected to persist and become widespread later in the day.
NiMet also warned of a high likelihood of flooding in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states throughout the forecast period.
On Friday, the agency predicted partly cloudy skies across northern Nigeria, with morning thunderstorms and moderate rainfall expected over Taraba and Adamawa states.
During the afternoon and evening, moderate thunderstorms are likely over Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba states.
For the North Central region, NiMet forecast sunny conditions with patches of clouds during the morning, alongside light thunderstorms and rainfall over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states.
The agency said moderate thunderstorms and rainfall would develop across most parts of the region later in the day.
Southern Nigeria is also expected to experience cloudy weather, with moderate rainfall forecast during the morning over Ondo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
Rainfall is expected to continue across most parts of the region during the afternoon and evening.
NiMet cautioned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms in areas expected to experience heavy rainfall.
The agency advised residents to secure loose objects to minimise damage from strong winds and avoid unnecessary movement during heavy downpours.
It further urged states likely to experience flash flooding to activate emergency response mechanisms immediately.
Motorists were advised to avoid driving during heavy rainfall due to poor visibility and the risk of flooding.
NiMet also recommended disconnecting electrical appliances from power sources during thunderstorms and staying away from tall trees to reduce the risk of injury from falling branches or uprooted trees.
The agency advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to aid flight planning and ensure safe operations.
It also encouraged Nigerians to remain updated by following official weather forecasts and advisories issued by the agency.
