NiMet forecasts 3-day thunderstorms, rainfall across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thundery and rainy weather conditions across Nigeria from Wednesday September 4 to Friday September 5, 2024.

In a statement released on September 3, 2024, in Abuja, NiMet predicted thunderstorms in several northern states on Wednesday morning.

The affected states include Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Gombe, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kaduna, Adamawa, Yobe, Taraba, Kebbi, and Borno States,” NiMet said.

For the North Central region, NiMet indicated a slim chance of light to moderate rains in Plateau and Nasarawa States in the morning.

“Moderate rains are anticipated later in the day over the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, and Nasarawa States,” the agency noted.

In the southern region, cloudy skies are expected, with light rains possible in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the morning.

NiMet forecasts rains in Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa states later in the day.

On Thursday, thunderstorms are predicted for parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, and Borno states in the morning.

“Thunderstorms will continue over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, and Borno States in the afternoon and evening,” NiMet stated.

The North Central region should expect light to moderate rains over the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, and Plateau States in the morning, with moderate rains forecasted later.

Friday’s forecast includes thunderstorms in Sokoto, Kebbi, Borno, and Yobe states in the morning and later over Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Kaduna states.

Cloudy skies are anticipated in the southern region, with rains expected in Osun, Oyo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states in the afternoon and evening.

NiMet urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas due to high chances of urban flooding and advised public and airline operators to consult updated weather reports.

“Strong winds may precede the rains, so the public should take precautions and adhere to safety advisories,” NiMet recommended.

For further updates, visit NiMet’s website.

Regional analysis of weather impacts in Nigeria

Northern Region:

In northern states like Borno, Jigawa, and Sokoto, thunderstorms and heavy rains frequently occur from June to September.

These intense weather events often result in significant impacts on agriculture, transportation, and daily life.

Historically, these states experience flooding due to heavy downpours.

This flooding can disrupt farming activities by inundating farmlands, leading to crop damage or loss.

Heavy rains make unpaved roads impassable, disrupting transportation and affecting the movement of goods and people.

Additionally, the strong winds that accompany thunderstorms can damage infrastructure, including homes and electricity poles, further complicating daily life.

NiMet warned residents to take precautions against flash floods and strong winds in these regions.

North Central Region:

NiMet’s forecast of light to moderate rains in Plateau and Nasarawa is crucial for ongoing agricultural activities.

These regions depend on consistent rainfall for farming, crucial for a successful growing season as the rainy season advances.

The anticipated rains will likely benefit crops like maize, yam, and millet, which are staples in these areas.

However, if the rains are too intense or prolonged, there could be a risk of water-logging, which might damage crops.

Therefore, the predicted moderate rainfall balances the need for water with the potential risks of flooding, making it favorable.

Southern Region:

In the southern states, particularly in urban centers like Port Harcourt and Uyo, the forecasted rains hold significant implications for economic activities.

This is especially true in the Niger Delta region.

Heavy rains could affect the oil industry, the backbone of the economy in this area.

Flooding can disrupt oil production activities and transportation of crude oil, leading to potential delays and economic losses.

Moreover, urban centers in this region are prone to flooding due to inadequate drainage systems.

This flooding can cause disruptions in daily activities, damage properties, and pose health risks from waterborne diseases.

The rains might affect agriculture and transportation, especially in low-lying areas prone to water accumulation.

About NiMet

NiMet is the national agency responsible for providing weather forecasts, climate information, and meteorological services in Nigeria.

It provides vital weather predictions for agriculture, aviation, water resources, disaster management, and public safety across various sectors.

NiMet’s responsibilities include:

Weather forecasting: NiMet provides daily weather forecasts for different regions of Nigeria.

These forecasts include predictions of rain, thunderstorms, temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

The agency uses advanced meteorological tools and data from satellites to generate accurate forecasts.

Climate services: NiMet offers climate services, including seasonal climate predictions.

These services are essential for planning agricultural activities, managing water resources, and preparing for potential climate-related disasters.

These services help stakeholders, including farmers and policymakers, make informed decisions.

Aviation meteorology: The agency provides specialized meteorological services for the aviation industry, ensuring the safety and efficiency of flight operations.

This includes real-time weather information and warnings for pilots, airlines, and airport authorities.

Public awareness and safety: NiMet runs public awareness campaigns to educate on weather risks and mitigation strategies.

The agency issues advisories during extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall or heatwaves, to ensure public safety.

Research and development: NiMet conducts research on climate change, weather patterns, and meteorological phenomena in Nigeria.

This research helps improve the accuracy of forecasts and enhances the agency’s capacity to provide reliable climate information.

International collaboration: NiMet collaborates with international meteorological organizations, such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

This partnership helps share data, improve forecasting models, and contribute to global climate monitoring efforts.

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