Heavy thunderstorms are expected to batter parts of northern Ghana on Thursday while thick mist and fog slow the morning in the south, according to the latest 18-hour forecast from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET).
Issued at 0500 UTC and valid from 06:00 local time, the bulletin says thunder and rain-bearing clouds already observed over the north will continue to move across the sector, bringing storms and strong, gusty winds.
GMET has highlighted Tamale, Yendi, Bole, Damongo, Bolgatanga, Nalerigu, Wa and Jirapa as the main centres at risk, with the probability of thunderstorms with rain put at between 60% and 80%. Wa and Jirapa top the list with an 80% chance of being hit, marking them out as the locations most likely to be affected.
High alert in far north-west
An impact-based forecast map released with the bulletin places the far north-west around Wa in an orange “be prepared” risk category, signalling a higher level of concern for potentially disruptive weather.
Surrounding parts of the Upper West and Upper East regions fall within a broader yellow “be aware” zone, where conditions are expected to deteriorate during the morning as storms develop or persist.
GMET’s assessment indicates that the northern sector will remain largely cloudy through the day, with some areas seeing stormy weather extending into the evening.
Fog, low visibility and drizzle in the south
While the north faces thunder and heavy rain, most of the middle belt and coastal strip are forecast to wake up to poor visibility caused by mist and fog, under generally cloudy skies.
Koforidua, Akim Oda, Kwahu Tafo, Obuasi, Tarkwa and Sefwi Bekwai all have a 60% chance of experiencing misty conditions in the morning, the agency says.
Along the coast, Winneba, Cape Coast, Takoradi, Axim and Ho are also expected to see patches of mist and fog, though with a slightly lower probability of around 40%.
GMET notes there is a slight chance of light rain or drizzle during the early hours over some coastal and inland locations, including Accra, Kumasi, Aflao and Anloga.
Temperatures nationwide are forecast to range from 22C to 32C, with the transition zone between the northern and southern sectors set to record the largest difference between overnight lows and afternoon highs.
Brighter spells later in the day
Conditions are expected to improve over much of the south as Thursday progresses, with the forecast indicating clearer skies and sunny intervals by the afternoon.
Accra, Kasoa, Aflao and Anloga are among the areas likely to enjoy breaks of sunshine later in the day, even as the northern sector continues to grapple with cloud and, in some places, ongoing storms into the evening.
Rough seas and safety advice
GMET has also warned that seas along Ghana’s coast remain rough. The agency rates the disturbance at level two and is urging mariners and coastal residents to exercise caution when heading out on the water.
In a bulletin signed by duty forecaster Fredrick Q. Cudjoe, the public is advised to prioritise safety and drive carefully, particularly in locations where visibility may be reduced by mist, fog or heavy rainfall.
The agency stresses that road users in both storm-affected northern districts and fog-prone southern and coastal areas should remain alert to rapidly changing conditions throughout the day.
