Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rainy weather conditions from Tuesday to Thursday across major parts of the country just as it cautioned residents to avoid flood prone areas.
NiMet`s weather outlook released on Monday in Abuja forecast thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Kebbi, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Adamawa and Kaduna states during the morning hours on Tuesday.
According to the agency, thunderstorms are expected over the entire 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 hours.
“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 also envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna states in the Wednesday `s morning hours.
According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi states later in the day.
“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.
The agency also envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba and Adamawa States in the Thursday`s morning period.
The agency predicted thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Bauchi, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa states later in the day while thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa 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 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.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website,” it said