- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMet has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Thursday to Saturday across the northern region while forecasting thunderstorms across the south.
As contained in agency’s weather outlook released on Wednesday in Abuja sunny skies is envisaged on Thursday over the Northern region throughout the forecast period.
Specifically, sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the North Central region throughout the forecast period.
On the other hand, NiMet predicted isolated thunderstorms across the southern region especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
“Cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated over the southern region during the morning hours.
“Isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Imo, Edo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Bayelsa States during the afternoon to evening hours,” it said.
The agency again envisaged sunny skies over the Northern region throughout the forecast period on Friday.
According to NiMet, sunny skies with patches of cloud are anticipated over the North Central region with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Kwara State later in the day.
“Cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated over the southern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
“In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Edo, Abia, Ebonyi, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River States,” it said.
On Saturday, the Northern region is also billed to have sunny skies throughout the forecast period.
NiMet envisaged sunny skies with patches of clouds over the North Central region with chances of afternoon or evening thunderstorms over parts of Kwara State.
” Cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated over the southern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
“In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over most parts of the region,” it said.
NiMet, however, urged people to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, in well-ventilated and cool spaces as temperatures are high over most parts of the country, putting people at risk of heat stress.
It also urged people to get vaccinated against meningitis, practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly, avoid overcrowding in small spaces, use a nose mask to reduce chances of infection and avoid close contact with those affected.
“Avoid peak sun hours (noon to 3pm) and protect yourselves from undue exposure to direct sunlight. Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution.
“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.