NiMet Forecasts 3 Days of Rainfall, Sunshine Across Nigeria, Warns of Thunderstorms

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a mix of sunshine, cloudy conditions and rainfall across the country from Saturday to Monday, with some states expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains.

In its three-day weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja, NiMet said weather conditions would vary across Nigeria’s three major climatic zones, with parts of the South likely to record more widespread rainfall during the forecast period.

The agency advised residents to take precautions, particularly in areas likely to experience thunderstorms, warning that strong winds may accompany heavy rainfall.

Saturday: Rain expected in parts of South, Taraba

According to NiMet, northern states are expected to experience sunny weather with patches of clouds on Saturday, although isolated thunderstorms with light to moderate rainfall are possible in parts of Taraba State during the afternoon or evening.

For the North-Central region, the agency forecast a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine throughout the day.

In the southern states, NiMet predicted cloudy conditions with occasional sunshine and possible thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

The agency also forecast later-day thunderstorms with moderate rainfall over parts of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

Sunday: More states to experience thunderstorms

NiMet said northern states would continue to record sunny skies with a few cloud patches on Sunday, with isolated thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall expected in parts of Taraba State later in the day.

The central region is expected to remain cloudy with intervals of sunshine.

For the southern region, the agency predicted cloudy conditions with possible afternoon and evening thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall across parts of Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo and Delta States.

Monday: Rainfall persists in coastal states

On Monday, NiMet forecast sunny weather with a few cloud patches across the northern region, while the North-Central states are expected to experience cloudy conditions with periods of sunshine.

The southern region is expected to remain cloudy, with intervals of sunshine and possible thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall in parts of Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States later in the day.

NiMet issues safety advisory

The weather agency warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms in affected areas, urging residents to secure loose objects that could become dangerous during windy conditions.

NiMet advised motorists to avoid driving during heavy rainfall where visibility may be poor and urged residents to disconnect electrical appliances from power sources during storms.

The agency also cautioned people to avoid staying under tall trees during thunderstorms due to the risk of falling branches or lightning strikes.

“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,” NiMet said.

Airline operators were also advised to obtain location-specific weather information from NiMet before flight operations to support safe planning.

Meanwhile, the agency noted that temperatures would remain high in many parts of the country, creating conditions that could cause thermal discomfort.

NiMet advised Nigerians to wear light and breathable clothing, remain in well-ventilated spaces and maintain adequate hydration during the period.