The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a mix of sunshine, cloudiness, and isolated thunderstorms across the country from Friday to Sunday. The agency said most parts of Nigeria will experience sunny weather during the period, with chances of light rain and thunderstorms mainly in some southern states.
NiMet released the weather outlook on Thursday in Abuja, advising Nigerians to prepare for changing weather conditions, especially in areas expected to experience rainfall later in the day.
According to the agency, the forecast covers the northern, central, and southern regions of the country and reflects typical dry season conditions with occasional rainfall in coastal and southern states.
NiMet said that on Friday, the northern region of the country will experience sunny skies throughout the forecast period. This includes states such as Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno.
The agency explained that the dry and sunny weather in the North is expected due to prevailing seasonal conditions, which usually bring clear skies and higher daytime temperatures.
For the central region, also known as the North Central zone, NiMet predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds throughout the day. States in this region include Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
In the southern region, NiMet said sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected during the morning hours. However, later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with light rainfall are likely in some states.
The states expected to experience light rain and thunderstorms on Friday include Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Bayelsa.
NiMet said Saturday’s weather pattern will be similar to that of Friday across most parts of the country.
According to the forecast, the northern region will continue to experience sunny skies throughout the day. The agency noted that there is little chance of rainfall in the region during the period.
In the central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are also expected to dominate the weather throughout Saturday. Residents of the region are advised to expect warm conditions, especially during the afternoon.
For the southern region, NiMet said sunny skies with patches of clouds will be experienced during the morning hours. As the day progresses, isolated thunderstorms with light rainfall are expected in some states.
The states listed by the agency for possible rainfall on Saturday include Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Bayelsa.
NiMet explained that these thunderstorms are expected to be isolated, meaning they may not affect all areas within the states listed.
NiMet also released its weather outlook for Sunday, predicting continued sunny conditions across much of the country.
The agency said the northern region will experience sunny skies throughout the forecast period. Similarly, the north central region is expected to have sunny weather during the day.
For the southern region, NiMet predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds in the morning hours. While the agency did not highlight widespread rainfall for Sunday, it advised residents to remain alert as local weather conditions may still change.
In the southern part of the country, however, occasional rainfall can still occur due to moisture from the Atlantic Ocean. These rains are often light and short-lived but can be accompanied by thunderstorms.
NiMet has continued to monitor weather patterns across the country to provide timely updates and warnings when necessary.
As part of the forecast, NiMet advised motorists to drive carefully, especially in areas expected to experience rainfall.
“Motorists driving under rain are advised to drive with caution,” the agency said.
Rainfall, even when light, can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. NiMet urged road users to slow down and observe traffic rules during rainy conditions.
The agency also advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet before flights.
“Airline operators should get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective operations,” the agency said.
Such reports help airlines plan take-off and landing schedules safely and reduce weather-related delays.
NiMet’s regular weather forecasts play an important role in helping Nigerians plan their daily activities. Farmers, traders, transport workers, and event planners rely on accurate weather information to make informed decisions.
For farmers, knowing when rain is expected helps in planning planting and harvesting activities. For commuters and business owners, weather forecasts help in preparing for possible disruptions.
NiMet has also encouraged the public to follow its updates through official channels, including radio, television, and online platforms.
NiMet said it will continue to monitor weather conditions across Nigeria and provide updates if there are significant changes.
The agency urged Nigerians to stay informed and take weather warnings seriously, especially as climate patterns become more unpredictable.
With sunshine expected across most parts of the country and light rainfall in some southern states, NiMet said Nigerians should enjoy the fair weather while staying cautious during periods of rain.
As the weekend approaches, residents are advised to plan their movements carefully and follow safety advice issued by relevant authorities.