‘Don’t Drive Under Heavy Rain’ – NiMet Tells Motorists, Asks Airlines to Get Weather Reports For Flight Documentation

• The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a mix of sunshine, cloudy conditions, thunderstorms, and light to moderate rainfall across different parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday.

• The agency warned motorists against driving during heavy rainfall, while also urging residents to secure loose objects, stay away from tall trees, and disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms.

• Several states in the South, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Anambra, are expected to experience thunderstorms and moderate rainfall during the forecast period.

• NiMet also advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from the agency as part of their flight documentation, stressing that such information is essential for effective operational planning and aviation safety.

September 14, () – The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned motorists to avoid driving under heavy rainfall as it forecasts a combination of sunshine, cloudy conditions, thunderstorms and light to moderate rains across parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday.

The agency, in its weather outlook released on Sunday, also advised members of the public to take precautions against hazards associated with thunderstorms, including strong winds, falling branches and flying objects.

NiMet said sunny skies with a few patches of clouds would dominate the northern region on Monday, although isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall were expected over parts of Taraba State during the afternoon and evening.

For the North Central region, the agency forecast a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine throughout the three days.

In the southern region, NiMet predicted generally cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine and chances of thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. I

t said the likelihood of thunderstorms and moderate rainfall would increase later in the day across several southern states.

“Later during the day, there are prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states,” the agency said.

For Tuesday, NiMet forecast sunny weather with a few patches of clouds across the northern region, with isolated thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall again expected over parts of Taraba State later in the day.

The North Central region is expected to remain cloudy with intervals of sunshine, while similar conditions are anticipated across the southern region.

However, NiMet forecasts thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall over parts of Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo and Delta states later on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, sunny weather with a few patches of clouds is expected across the northern region, while the North Central region would remain cloudy with intervals of sunshine.

The southern region is also expected to experience cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine, with prospects of thunderstorms and moderate rainfall over parts of Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states later in the day.

Safety Warnings

Beyond the rainfall forecast, NiMet issued a series of safety advisories to reduce the risk of accidents and other weather-related incidents.

The agency warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms in areas where heavy rainfall is expected, urging residents to secure loose objects that could be blown away and cause injuries or collisions.

“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions,” it said.

NiMet specifically cautioned motorists against driving during heavy rain, a condition that can significantly reduce visibility and make roads hazardous.

“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided,” the agency advised.

It also urged residents to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms and stay away from tall trees to avoid injuries from falling branches or broken trees.

NiMet also directed airline operators to make greater use of its specialised weather information in planning flights.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” the agency said.

The advice is particularly important during periods of unstable weather, when thunderstorms, strong winds, reduced visibility and rainfall can affect flight operations and airport conditions.

Airport-specific forecasts and other meteorological information enable operators to assess prevailing and expected weather conditions along flight routes and at destination airports, helping them make informed operational decisions.

NiMet advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from the agency as part of their flight documentation, stressing that such information is essential for effective operational planning and aviation safety.
Heat And Thermal Discomfort

Despite the rainfall forecast, NiMet said temperatures were expected to remain high in many parts of the country, potentially causing thermal discomfort.

It advised residents to wear breathable clothing, stay in well-ventilated environments, and remain adequately hydrated.

The agency also urged the public to stay abreast of changing weather conditions through regular updates and advisories.

NiMet encouraged members of the public to access its official website, www.nimet.gov.ng, for weather information and updates.