?By GABRIEL AGBEJA

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread rainy and thundery conditions across the country from Monday to Wednesday.

In its three-day weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, the agency predicted morning thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of the northern region, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba states on Monday.

It said later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are also expected in Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Taraba states.

“A cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is expected in the central region, according to NiMet.”

The agency forecast morning thunderstorms and light rains in Niger, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa states, followed by isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains in Niger, Kwara, and the FCT later in the day.

It said the southern region would experience cloudy skies with light rains expected in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and Cross River states during morning hours.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are forecast across the region.

“In Northern region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected, with morning thunderstorms likely in Taraba and Adamawa states. Isolated thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are forecast for Zamfara, Kaduna, Gombe, and Adamawa states later in the day.

“In Central region: a cloudy atmosphere with sunshine is anticipated, with morning thunderstorms and light rains in Benue, Niger, and Kwara States. Later in the day, moderate rainfall is expected in Kwara, Kogi, Benue, FCT, and Niger.

“For Southern region, cloudy skies are forecast in the morning with light rains expected in Oyo, Ondo, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. The entire region is expected to experience moderate thunderstorms later in the day.

“For Northern region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected, with light morning rains in Adamawa, Kaduna, and Taraba states. Isolated thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are likely in Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, and Bauchi states later in the day.”

According to the agency, cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine are expected, with light rain likely in the morning across Niger, the FCT, Kogi, and Benue states.

“By afternoon and evening, moderate thunderstorms are forecast in Benue, Plateau, Kogi, and Nasarawa states.

“The region will experience cloudy skies and light morning showers in Edo, Ondo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states.

“Later in the day, moderate thunderstorms are expected across all southern states.”

NiMet had warned of possible flooding in Benue, Taraba, and Cross River states and advised residents in those areas to activate emergency response plans immediately.

The agency issued the following safety recommendations: Avoid driving in heavy rain and areas prone to flash floods and refrain from applying fertilisers or pesticides before rainfall to prevent nutrient leaching.

“Secure loose outdoor objects to avoid damage or injury, disconnect electrical appliances during storms and stay away from tall trees to avoid injuries from falling branches.

NiMet advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for effective flight planning.

The agency urged the public to stay informed through its official website: www.nimet.gov.ng and follow verified updates for safety and preparedness. (NAN)