The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of thunderstorms across the country from Friday to Sunday that could lead to electric surges and destruction of buildings and other facilities.

NiMet`s weather output released on Thursday in Abuja predicted the northern region of the country to be cloudy on Friday with intervals of sunshine during the morning hours of the day.

It predicted isolated thunderstorms in Kebbi, Kaduna, Adamawa, Zamfara, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Southern Katsina and Borno during the afternoon and evening hours.

According to the agency, cloudy conditions are expected over the North-Central during the morning hours and isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours.

Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the inland and coastal cities of the South in the morning and isolated thunderstorms later in the day.

“On Saturday, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is expected over the Northern region during the morning hours. In the afternoon and evening hours, there are prospects of isolated thunderstorms over most places,” said the agency. “The North-Central region is expected to be cloudy during morning hours, with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and Kogi State in the afternoon and evening hours.”

Also, a cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the inland and coastal cities of the South with chances of isolated thunderstorms in Delta, Rivers, Imo and Lagos in the morning.

NiMet predicted good chances of isolated thunderstorms in the region in the afternoon and evening.

The agency predicted a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine in the North in the morning on Sunday and forecasted chances of thunderstorms in Kano, Jigawa and Kaduna.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kaduna, Katsina and Taraba in the afternoon and evening hours. The North-Central region is expected to be cloudy with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue and Federal Capital Territory while afternoon and evening hours are expected to be in cloudy atmosphere,” it explained. “Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the inland and the coastal cities of the South in the morning hours with chances of early morning thunderstorms over the southwestern region.”

It forecast a few thunderstorms in the region later into the afternoon and evening.

According to NiMet, strong winds are likely to precede the rains and as such, unsecured objects and weak buildings may be blown away.

“Trees, roofs, electrical poles and their wirings may be displaced. Electric surges can occur so the public is advised to be cautious,” NiMet warned. “To reduce incidences of erosion and overflow of water beyond its normal limit, gutters and water ways should be cleared of debris and obstacles to ensure free flow of water.”

(NAN)