The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and thunderstorms across the country from Saturday to Monday.
NiMet`s weather outlook released on Friday in Abuja anticipated sunny skies on Saturday with patches of cloud and chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba and Adamawa States. According to it, thunderstorms with rains over parts of Zamfara, Adamawa, Kebbi, Taraba, and Kaduna States are predicted later in the day.
This prediction implies that it will affect agriculture. Sunshine and thunderstorms can benefit crops by providing necessary sunlight and rainfall. However, intense thunderstorms with strong winds may damage crops and disrupt farming activities.
In the same vein, thunderstorms can hurt transportation, reducing visibility and causing slippery roads, increasing the risk of accidents. The weather forecast is also poised to have health implications, as high temperatures during sunny periods may increase the risk of heat stress. Thunderstorms can also trigger respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. NiMet advises staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours, and staying in well-ventilated areas.
NiMet predicts sunny skies with patches of clouds in the North-central region in the morning. During the afternoon or evening, isolated thunderstorms with rains are likely over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa States.
“In the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected with prospects of morning rains over the coastal parts of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
“Later in the day, rain showers are anticipated over parts of Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Imo, Abia, Edo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States,“ it disclosed.
The agency anticipated sunny skies in the northern region on Sunday, with patches of clouds in the morning.
Later in the day, it forecast isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Adamawa States.
“In the North-central region, a partly cloudy atmosphere is expected during the morning hours. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau and Niger States.
“In the southern region, morning rain showers are anticipated over parts of Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom States.
“In the afternoon/evening hours, isolated rains are expected over parts of Ekiti, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers and Lagos States,“ it said.
According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, and Gombe states on Monday.
It anticipated thunderstorms and rains later in the day over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, and Zamfara States.
“In the North-central region, cloudy skies are envisaged during the morning. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the area.
“In the southern region, cloudy skies are expected in the morning. Later in the day, isolated rain showers are envisaged over the entire region, “ it said.
NiMet urged the public to take adequate precautions, as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, and to ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.
According to the agency, driving under heavy rain should be avoided, and electrical appliances should be disconnected from electrical sockets.
“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.
“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
The forecast indicates a dynamic weather pattern with alternating sunshine and thunderstorms, requiring public awareness and preparedness to mitigate potential hazards. “Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet.