The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET) has predicted a mix of weather conditions across the country on Friday, with light morning rain along the coast, mist over the middle belt and thunderstorms expected nationwide by afternoon as an active rainstorm system moves in from neighbouring Nigeria.
According to the Agency’s 18-hour forecast, issued at 0500 UTC and valid from 6 a.m., coastal towns from Aflao through Accra, Kasoa, Winneba, Cape Coast, Takoradi and Axim are expected to experience slight morning rain, with a 40 per cent probability of occurrence.
Temperatures along the coast are expected to range between 22°C and 24°C in the morning, rising to a maximum of 30°C in the afternoon.
In the middle belt, including Kumasi, Koforidua, Akim Oda, Kwahu Tafo, Obuasi, Tarkwa and Sefwi Bekwai, misty conditions are expected in the early hours, which may reduce visibility, particularly in forested and hilly areas.
The Agency’s duty forecaster, Fredrick Q. Cudjoe, noted that temperatures in these areas will rise from about 23°C–24°C in the morning to as high as 33°C in the afternoon.
In the northern sector, skies over Tamale, Bolgatanga, Wa, Yendi, Bole, Damongo, Nalerigu and Jirapa are expected to remain mostly cloudy in the morning, with an increased chance of rainfall over Bolgatanga and Nalerigu, where a 40 per cent probability has been recorded.
By afternoon, thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify across the northern sector, with areas such as Wa and Jirapa carrying a 60 per cent probability of thunderstorms with rain.
The Agency attributed the expected weather changes to the development of thunder and rain-bearing clouds over the northern sector, compounded by an active rainstorm system over Nigeria that is expected to move westwards into Ghana later in the day. Regions likely to be affected include the Upper West, Upper East, North East, Savannah and Northern regions, with parts classified under “Be Aware” and “Low Risk” categories on the Agency’s impact-based risk map.
Southern Ghana is also expected to experience thunderstorms of varying intensities in the afternoon and evening, following early morning drizzle. Cities such as Accra, Kasoa and Ho are expected to record a 40 per cent probability of thunderstorms with rain by midday, increasing into the evening.
The Agency’s temperature outlook places minimum readings at 22°C along the coast and 23°C across the forest, transition and northern belts, while maximum temperatures are expected to reach 30°C along the coast, 33°C in the forest and transition zones and up to 34°C in the northern sector.
The GMA has also issued a rough sea advisory, rating sea conditions as “Rough (2)” and cautioning fishermen and other sea users to exercise care.
The forecast, signed by the Central Analysis and Forecasting Office (CAFO), places several northern and transitional districts under “Be Aware” and “Low Risk” alerts as weather conditions are expected to evolve throughout the day with the movement of the Nigerian rainstorm system.
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