GMet forecasts afternoon thunderstorms, warns of rough sea conditions today

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has forecast thunderstorms and rainfall across parts of the middle, transition and northern sectors of the country later today, following a largely cloudy morning, while cautioning that sea conditions will remain rough.

In its latest 18-hour weather outlook, the agency said slight rainfall is expected during the morning over sections of the coast and a few inland communities, with mostly cloudy conditions prevailing across much of the country. Patches of mist and fog are also expected over mountainous and forested areas, likely to reduce visibility during the early hours of the day.

GMet advised motorists travelling through forest zones and elevated areas to exercise caution, noting that the morning mist could affect visibility before clearing as temperatures rise.

According to the forecast, the northern sector is expected to experience predominantly sunny conditions during the afternoon, while the southern half of the country will remain partly to mostly cloudy. These cloud formations are expected to produce light rain over some coastal communities before developing into thunderstorms later in the day.

The agency said thunderstorms accompanied by rain are likely to affect parts of the middle, transition and northern belts from late afternoon into the evening. Areas expected to experience storm activity include Ho, Kete Krachi, Atebubu, Kintampo, Tamale, Yendi, Bolgatanga and surrounding communities.

Along the coast, residents of Accra, Aflao, Anloga, Kasoa, Winneba, Cape Coast and Takoradi are expected to experience slight morning rainfall, with conditions becoming mostly cloudy or partly cloudy during the afternoon before improving later in the evening.

In the forest belt, including Kumasi, Obuasi, Tarkwa and Sefwi Bekwai, misty conditions are expected in the morning, followed by brighter weather during the afternoon. However, isolated thunderstorms may develop in some areas towards the evening.

GMet forecasts maximum temperatures of between 30°C along the coast and 35°C in the northern sector, while minimum temperatures are expected to range between 22°C and 25°C nationwide.

The agency also maintained its advisory on marine conditions, warning that the sea will remain rough. It therefore urged fisherfolk, commercial boat operators and other users of the marine environment to exercise caution.

GMet encouraged the public to monitor weather updates throughout the day, particularly in areas likely to experience thunderstorms, and advised motorists to drive carefully in locations affected by early morning mist or rainfall.