GMET Issues Nationwide Weather Alert Over Heavy Thunderstorms and Reduced Visibility

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET) has issued a comprehensive weather advisory for Friday, warning of a complex mix of heavy thunderstorms in the north and significantly reduced visibility in the south due to mist and fog. These conditions are expected to impact travel and daily activities, with the agency urging motorists and commuters to exercise extreme caution during the early hours when visibility is at its lowest. The forecast indicates that while some regions may see temporary relief, the overall weather pattern remains volatile across the country.

In the northern sector of Ghana, residents are bracing for active and severe thunderstorms starting Friday morning. This region is expected to experience the most intense weather activity, which may persist intermittently throughout the day. Meanwhile, southern regions—specifically Greater Accra, Central, and Western—will start the day under heavy cloud cover with light rain and persistent mist. While GMET predicts that conditions will improve slightly by mid-day to allow for brief periods of sunshine, this reprieve is expected to be temporary as atmospheric conditions remain unstable.

By Friday evening, the weather is likely to deteriorate again as thunderstorms are forecasted to return across the coastal, middle, and northern belts. Beyond terrestrial concerns, the agency has also issued a warning for maritime operators. Sea conditions are expected to remain rough, and sea users, including artisanal fishers and transport operators, are urged to exercise high levels of caution to avoid accidents in the turbulent waters. Temperatures across various regions are expected to range from a minimum of 24°C to a maximum of 35°C.

As the day progresses, the primary hazards remain the low visibility on the roads and the intensity of the northern thunderstorms. GMET emphasizes that motorists should use fog lights where necessary and maintain safe following distances to mitigate the risk of accidents during the misty morning hours. The agency continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates should weather patterns shift significantly over the weekend.