NiMet forecasts thunderstorms, moderate rainfall across Southern Nigeria on Sunday

Weather

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather advisory forecasting thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across several parts of the country on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

According to the agency, northern states are expected to experience sunny weather conditions in the morning, with prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall in parts of Borno, Yobe, Southern Kaduna, Gombe and Bauchi states.

NiMet further stated that thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected later in the day across Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kaduna states.

The agency explained that while warm and generally stable weather conditions are expected during the daytime, later thunderstorms could bring lightning activity and strong winds in affected areas.

For the North-Central region, NiMet predicted sunny skies with patches of clouds in the morning and chances of thunderstorms over Plateau State and the Federal Capital Territory.

It added that thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are expected across most parts of the region later in the afternoon and evening hours.

According to the forecast, residents across the North-Central states should expect calm and warm weather conditions during the day before thunderstorms develop later, potentially causing lightning activity and occasional gusty winds.

In the southern region, NiMet forecast cloudy weather conditions with intervals of sunshine in the morning alongside prospects of thunderstorms and moderate rainfall over Bayelsa, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

The agency stated that thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected to spread across the entire southern region later in the day.

NiMet warned that the rainfall could lead to slippery roads, localised flooding, reduced visibility and strong winds in some areas.

The agency advised residents to secure loose objects due to strong winds that may precede thunderstorms and urged motorists to drive cautiously during rainfall because of reduced visibility and slippery road conditions.

It also warned residents against taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms and urged people living in flood-prone areas to clear drainage channels to reduce the risk of flooding.

NiMet further advised airlines to obtain airport-specific weather reports from the agency to ensure safe flight operations.