NiMet predicts strong winds, heavy rains, flooding across Northern states 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thundery and rainy weather conditions from Tuesday to Thursday particularly in the Northern states.

NiMet`s weather outlook released on Monday in Abuja forecast thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Kebbi, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Adamawa and Kaduna states on Tuesday morning.

According to the agency, thunderstorm will spread across the entire Northern region later in the day.

“In the North Central region, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Niger states during the morning.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states.

“In the southern region, there are prospects of moderate rains over parts of Ebonyi, Imo, Enugu, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, intermittent rains are expected over the entire region,” it said.

The agency envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna states on Wednesday morning, while Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi states will later  in the day also experience thunderstorms.

“In the North Central region, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger and Kwara states during the morning hours.

“ While in the afternoon into evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa, Kogi, Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Niger states .

“ In the southern region, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Edo, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states during the morning hours.

“Progressing into the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are envisaged over the entire region,” it said.

NiMet anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba and Adamawa States on Thursday morning, and later in the day over parts of Borno, Bauchi, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa states, as well as in parts of Nasarawa state and the Federal Capital Territory.

“In the southern region, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Osun, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Delta, Lagos, Rivers and Bayelsa states in the morning hours,” it said.

NiMet urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas as high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours.

It advised the public to take adequate precautions as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

“Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Public and Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecast from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.”