The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that thunderstorms, moderate rainfall and strong winds are expected across several parts of the country from Wednesday through Friday.
In its latest weather outlook, the agency said northern states including Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa will experience cloudy conditions with thunderstorms and moderate rainfall on Wednesday morning. Later in the day, the weather is expected to extend to Kaduna and other parts of the North-East.
For the North-Central region, NiMet predicted cloudy skies with light rainfall and thunderstorms over the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau and Nasarawa in the morning. By afternoon and evening, moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is expected across Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau and the FCT.
Southern states are also expected to witness cloudy weather, with light rainfall likely in parts of the South-South during the morning. As the day progresses, moderate rainfall is forecast for Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, as well as states in the South-East and South-South.
On Thursday, NiMet said northern states such as Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe will begin the day with cloudy skies and moderate thunderstorms. By afternoon and evening, rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to spread across most parts of the region.
The North-Central is forecast to experience thunderstorms with moderate rainfall throughout Thursday, while the South is expected to receive moderate rainfall, particularly in Ondo, the South-East and the South-South.
For Friday, the agency predicted early morning thunderstorms and rainfall over Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba, with wet weather expected to extend across the northern region later in the day.
In the North-Central, Nasarawa and Benue are likely to record light rainfall in the morning before thunderstorms and moderate rains spread across the region in the afternoon and evening.
Cloudy conditions are expected across the southern states, with light rainfall over the South-South in the morning. Moderate rainfall is also forecast later in the day for parts of Ondo, Oyo, Enugu, Imo, the South-East and the South-South.
NiMet advised residents to remain cautious, warning that strong winds could accompany thunderstorms in affected areas. The agency urged the public to secure loose objects and take necessary safety precautions to minimise the risk of damage or accidents.