The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted rain and thunderstorms from Thursday to Saturday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Wednesday in Abuja anticipated thunderstorms with moderate rains during the morning hours over parts of Yobe, Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi States.

According to the agency, the remaining parts of the region will be sunny with patches of clouds.

“Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of‎ Adamawa, Taraba, Zamfara, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa and Yobe.

”For the central region, cloudy skies with sunny intervals will be experienced during the morning hours.

”In afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue‎ and Niger States.”

The agency predicted cloudy skies over the southern region with prospects of light rains over parts of Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States during the morning hours.

It forecasts moderate rain to continue into the afternoon or evening hours.

“There are prospects of thunderstorms on Friday with moderate rains over parts of Adamawa, Gombe and Kaduna States during the morning hours in the northern region.”

NiMet anticipated thunderstorms with moderate rains during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Jigawa, Borno, and Zamfara States.

“For the central region, morning thunderstorms with light to moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Plateau and Nasarawa States.

“Afternoon or evening thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rains are envisaged over most parts‎ of the region.

“For the southern region, there are chances of morning rains over parts of Abia, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa States.”

The agency anticipated moderate to heavy rains over the entire region during the afternoon or evening periods.

NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms on Saturday with rain over parts of Taraba, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina and Kaduna States.

It forecasts thunderstorms with moderate rain over parts of Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States later in the day.

“For the central region: there are chances of thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger States.

“Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau and Benue States during the afternoon to evening periods.

‎“For the southern region, there are prospects of morning coastal rains over parts of Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States during the morning hours.

According to it, the remaining parts are expected to be cloudy. Moderate to heavy rains are expected across the Southern region during the afternoon or evening periods.

‎NiMet urged the public to take adequate precautions as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

“Ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision. Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees. 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.

(NAN)