By George George Idowu
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted widespread thunderstorms and rains from Sunday to Tuesday, issuing urban flood alerts to the public.
According to NiMet’s outlook released on Saturday, thunderstorms are expected on Sunday morning over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe, and Yobe, with thunderstorms extending to the entire northern region later in the day.
The North-Central region is also expected to experience morning rains, with moderate thunderstorms and rains predicted for parts of Abuja, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi.
Intermittent morning rains are anticipated over Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta.
While in the afternoon or evening, these rains will likely spread to Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and other southern states.
On Monday, NiMet predicts morning thunderstorms with rains over Kebbi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kaduna, Borno, Taraba, and Katsina.
Later in the day, moderate thunderstorms are expected in Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa, and Katsina. Abuja and Plateau states will see morning rains, with moderate thunderstorms anticipated in Abuja, Niger, and Kogi later.
The forecast for Tuesday includes morning thunderstorms with rains in Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, and Taraba, extending to the entire northern region later. Abuja, Niger, and Kwara will see morning rains, followed by intermittent rains in the afternoon or evening over parts of Ondo, Edo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Bayelsa.
NiMet also advised the public to take precautions against potential urban flooding due to downpours and strong winds that might precede the thunderstorms.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through NiMet’s weather updates and adhere to safety advisories from relevant authorities. Public and airline operators are also urged to get updated weather reports for effective planning.