THE Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast another three-day thunderstorm nationwide from Monday, September 23, to Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
According to NiMet’s weather forecast from Abuja on Sunday, September 22, Monday will bring morning thunderstorms to Sokoto, Kebbi, and Borno states, with additional storms expected later in the day across 13 states: Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto.
Thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa and Benue, states during the morning hours.
It added that in the afternoon and evening periods, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kwara, the FCT, Niger, Benue and Kogi states.
“Rains are envisaged over the southwest inland, especially parts of Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and Ogun extending to the coastal states of Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states during the morning hours, “ NiMet stated.
The agency said residents of Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, Ekiti, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Abia, Osun, Imo, Lagos and Rivers states should expect thunderstorms later in the day.
NiMet stated that thunderstorms would occur in parts of the FCT, Benue, Nasarawa and Niger states within the morning hours.
It also added that later in the day thunderstorms are expected over the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara and Plateau states.
“Morning rains are envisaged over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers States while the remaining parts of the South should be cloudy,” the agency stated.
NiMet warns residents to avoid flood-prone areas due to the high risk of urban flooding from heavy rainfall in major cities.
Additionally, it stated that strong winds might precede thunderstorms, so people are advised to take necessary precautions.
The NiMet urged everyone to prioritise safety by following advisories from relevant authorities.
The agency urged travellers to consider the weather and check NiMet’s website (www.nimet.gov.ng) for the latest updates and forecasts.
It emphasised that airline operators and the public should prioritise staying informed with their weather reports to ensure effective planning and safety.
The ICIR reported that NiMet made a similar forecast of 3-day thunderstorms and rains across the country in early September.
According to NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday, September 10, the thunderstorms and rains would last from Wednesday, September 11 to Friday 13.
The ICIR reports that heavy rainfalls often cause flooding across Nigeria.
Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is recovering from a devastating flood caused by the overflow and eventual collapse of the Alau Dam due to heavy rain.
A reporter with the ICIR
A Journalist with a niche for quality and a promoter of good governance