The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted widespread thundery and rainy weather across the country from Friday through Sunday, with warnings of possible flooding in parts of Lagos, Ogun, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

In its weather outlook released in Abuja on Thursday, NiMet said isolated thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Taraba States on Friday morning. Later in the day, the rains are likely to spread to Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, and other northern states.

For the central region, cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated in the morning, with chances of light rains in Niger, Kogi, and Benue States. By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected over Nasarawa, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory.

NiMet also forecast intermittent moderate rainfall across most parts of the south throughout the period, with heightened risks of flooding in Lagos, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.

On Saturday, cloudy conditions with sunshine intervals will dominate the north in the morning, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later in Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, and Katsina States. The central region will experience similar patterns, while southern states including Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Akwa Ibom are expected to record moderate rains throughout the day.

By Sunday, NiMet anticipates cloudy skies across much of the country, with thunderstorms and moderate rainfall over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, the FCT, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and several southern states including Lagos, Oyo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.

The agency advised motorists to avoid driving under heavy rainfall and cautioned farmers against applying fertilizer and pesticides immediately before rain to prevent nutrient leaching. It also urged residents to secure loose objects, unplug electrical appliances during storms, and avoid standing under tall trees.

Airline operators were further advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports for effective planning. NiMet called on Nigerians to stay updated with its forecasts for safety and preparedness.