Nigeria’s weather outlook for the final three days of December will be characterised by predominantly sunny conditions with scattered afternoon thunderstorms across southern regions, according to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The forecast, issued on Sunday, provides clarity for residents, travellers, and commercial operators planning activities during the year-end period. Whilst the northern and central regions are expected to remain largely dry and sunny, communities in the south face a heightened risk of isolated thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours.
Residents across Nigeria’s northern region can expect consistent clear conditions from Monday through Wednesday. The NiMet forecast indicates sunny skies will prevail throughout the entire forecast period, with minimal cloud cover and no significant rainfall expected. This extended dry spell offers favourable conditions for outdoor activities, travel, and commercial operations.
The northern forecast encompasses all states in the region, providing stable weather conditions suitable for planning. However, residents should remain vigilant regarding the heat stress warnings that accompany the current dry season, as temperatures have been recorded at elevated levels in recent weeks.
Central Nigeria is expected to experience sunny skies with occasional patches of clouds throughout the three-day period. According to the NiMet outlook, cloud cover will remain light and scattered, posing no significant disruption to daily activities.
The central region forecast, released by NiMet in Abuja, indicates that conditions will remain predominantly dry with no substantial rainfall anticipated. The combination of sunshine and light cloud cover suggests mild temperature conditions compared to the more intense heat experienced in northern areas.
The southern region faces the most variable weather during this period, with NiMet forecasting isolated thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall during afternoon and evening hours. The affected areas extend across a significant portion of southern Nigeria, requiring residents and businesses to prepare for sudden weather changes.
According to the forecast, thunderstorms with light rainfall are expected over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Imo, Abia, and Anambra States. The agency specifically noted that these isolated storms are anticipated “later in the day,” suggesting that morning and early afternoon hours will remain relatively clear before conditions deteriorate.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, features prominently in the forecast, with isolated thunderstorms and light rainfall predicted during afternoon hours on Monday. Similar conditions are expected to persist on Tuesday, with additional states including Anambra experiencing afternoon showers.
Reduced visibility and slippery road conditions are significant concerns during thunderstorm episodes, particularly in southern states where rainfall is forecast. The NiMet advisory specifically cautioned motorists to exercise heightened caution whilst driving during rainy periods.
“Driving under rain should be with caution,” NiMet stated in its forecast bulletin. The agency advised motorists to reduce speed, maintain greater distance from other vehicles, and ensure their vehicles are in proper working condition with functioning wipers and lights.
Commuters planning long-distance journeys should monitor weather developments in real time and adjust travel schedules if necessary. Road conditions in southern states may become treacherous during and immediately following thunderstorms, particularly in areas with poor drainage infrastructure.
Airline operators and aviation stakeholders have received specific guidance from NiMet regarding the forecast period. The agency directed all flight operations to obtain airport-specific weather reports and flight documentation directly from NiMet to ensure safe and efficient operations.
“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” the agency stated. This guidance underscores the importance of detailed, localised weather information for aviation safety, particularly given the variability expected in southern airspace.
Commercial airlines operating across Nigeria should incorporate the thunderstorm forecast into their operational planning, particularly for flights departing from or arriving at southern airports during afternoon and evening hours. Diversions and flight delays may be necessary in areas experiencing active thunderstorm activity.
NiMet has issued several recommendations for the general public to remain safe and informed during the forecast period. Residents are advised to stay updated through regular weather information available on the agency’s official platforms.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website (www.nimet.gov.ng),” the agency advised. The NiMet website provides real-time updates, detailed forecasts, and weather alerts, enabling residents to make informed decisions about outdoor activities and travel.
Outdoor activities should be scheduled with awareness of forecast conditions. Residents in southern states planning outdoor events for Monday through Wednesday should consider the afternoon thunderstorm risk and arrange activities accordingly. Timing events for morning hours would reduce exposure to forecast storms.
The forecast period coincides with year-end celebrations and holiday preparations across Nigeria. Residents in southern states, where thunderstorms are anticipated, should take precautions to ensure personal safety and property protection.
Gusty winds accompanying thunderstorms pose risks to structures with inadequate maintenance. Residents should inspect their homes and workplaces for loose roofing materials, unsecured outdoor fixtures, and weakened tree branches that could pose hazards during storm activity. Securing outdoor items and ensuring gutters are clear can prevent weather-related damage.
Farmers, particularly those in southern Nigeria, should note that the forecast light rainfall may provide some agricultural benefits whilst potentially disrupting harvesting activities. Timing agricultural operations around the afternoon thunderstorm window may prove advantageous.
The three-day forecast extends through Wednesday, 31 December, providing essential information as Nigeria transitions into the new year. Residents planning New Year’s Eve celebrations in southern regions should account for the possibility of afternoon or evening thunderstorms.
The forecast maintains consistency with Nigeria’s December weather patterns, characterised by the dry season in the north and scattered thunderstorm activity in the south. The relatively stable conditions predicted suggest that the year-end period will not experience extreme weather events, offering relative relief compared to earlier precipitation challenges recorded during 2025.
