The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a fresh weather warning, forecasting widespread thunderstorms, strong winds, and light-to-moderate rainfall across the country from Monday through Wednesday.

In a weather outlook released from Abuja, the agency cautioned the public, motorists, and airline operators to prepare for potential hazards associated with squall lines and heavy downpours.

3-Day Regional Weather Outlook

1. Monday

  • Northern Region: Morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rain are expected over parts of Taraba and Kebbi States. By the afternoon and evening, scattered thunderstorms with moderate rainfall will extend to Kaduna and other parts of the North-East.

  • North-Central: Light morning rain and thunderstorms are expected in parts of Niger State, progressing into moderate rain across most areas of the region later in the day.

  • Southern Region: Morning skies will remain mostly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms and light rain over Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. Widespread light rainfall and storms are projected across the region by afternoon.

2. Tuesday

  • Northern Region: Patches of cloud will dominate the morning hours, with light rain in Taraba. Thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain will cover most northern states by afternoon and evening.

  • North-Central: Partly cloudy morning conditions will give way to thunderstorms and moderate rain affecting the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, and Plateau States later in the day.

  • Southern Region: Mostly cloudy morning conditions, followed by afternoon thunderstorms and light rain across Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, and the South-South region.

3. Wednesday

  • Northern Region: Thunderstorms and moderate rain are forecast for Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba in the morning, expanding across most northern states by the afternoon.

  • North-Central: Isolated thunderstorms and light rain over the FCT, Plateau, Niger, and Nasarawa in the morning, spreading into moderate rainfall across the region later in the day.

  • Southern Region: Cloudy skies in the morning will yield to widespread thunderstorms and moderate rain by afternoon and evening.

Safety Guidelines and Precautions

NiMet warned that high-speed winds may precede the thunderstorms, risking damage to property and public safety. The agency advised members of the public to strictly observe the following safety measures:

  1. Secure Outdoor Belongings: Fasten loose objects around homes and workplaces to prevent them from becoming airborne hazard projectiles.

  2. Avoid Falling Tree Branches: Stay clear of tall trees and old structures during heavy winds to avoid injuries from falling branches.

  3. Driving Safety: Avoid driving through heavy downpours or submerged roads where visibility is reduced and water levels are unpredictable.

  4. Electrical Precautions: Unplug sensitive electronic appliances from wall sockets during active lightning storms to prevent damage from power surges.

  5. Flight Planning: Airline operators are urged to obtain airport-specific weather documentation and updates from NiMet for safe operational planning.