The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has issued a three-day weather forecast warning of thunderstorms and rainfall across various parts of the country from Friday through Sunday.
In its outlook released on Thursday in Abuja, the agency predicted thunderstorms with moderate rainfall over parts of Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna States in the North on Friday morning, spreading to most parts of the region by afternoon and evening.
For the central states, NiMet forecast light rains over Niger, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Plateau in the morning, with thunderstorms expected later in the day.
In the South, cloudy skies are anticipated, with chances of light rains in Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Cross River States in the morning.
More rains are expected in Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Lagos, and other parts of the region as the day progresses.
On Saturday, thunderstorms are expected in Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, and Taraba States in the morning, while Jigawa and other states will experience similar conditions later in the day.
Light rains are also expected in the North-Central and Southern states.
By Sunday, NiMet predicts thunderstorms and rains over Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Borno in the morning, with storms later spreading to Zamfara and other areas.
Cloudy skies and light rains are expected in the FCT, Kogi, Niger, and Benue, while the South will experience cloudy weather with rains in parts of Enugu, Imo, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Bayelsa, and Oyo States.
The agency advised the public to exercise caution during the rains by avoiding driving in stormy conditions, staying away from tall trees, and ensuring that loose objects are properly secured.
Farmers were urged not to apply fertilizer and pesticides just before rainfall, while vulnerable persons were advised to keep warm during cold nights.
Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific forecasts from NiMet to aid safe flight planning.
NiMet further encouraged Nigerians to keep up with daily weather updates via its website and other official platforms.