The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET) has forecast a mixed bag of weather conditions across the country today, with the northern sector bracing for moderate to heavy thunderstorms while the south remains shrouded in mist and fog well into the morning.
According to the agency's 18-hour forecast issued at 0500 UTC and valid from 6 am, thunder and rain-bearing clouds already tracked in previous updates will persist over the north, triggering thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds. Tamale, Yendi, Bole, Damongo, Bolgatanga, Nalerigu, Wa and Jirapa are among the towns most exposed, with the GMA placing the probability of thunderstorms with rain at between 60 and 80 per cent in these areas. Wa and Jirapa carry the highest likelihood, at 80 per cent, making them the hardest-hit locations on the agency's list.
The impact-based forecast map accompanying the bulletin flags the far north-west, around Wa, as an area to "be prepared," having been rated in the higher-risk orange band, while a broader yellow zone stretching across the Upper West and Upper East regions calls for residents to "be aware" of deteriorating conditions through the morning.
Further south, the story is different but no less disruptive. Mist and fog are expected to reduce visibility across much of the middle belt and coastal areas, with mostly cloudy skies persisting through the morning hours. Cities including Koforidua, Akim Oda, Kwahu Tafo, Obuasi, Tarkwa and Sefwi Bekwai face a 60 per cent chance of misty conditions, while Winneba, Cape Coast, Takoradi, Axim and Ho are likely to see similar patches at a 40 per cent probability.
The GMA has also pointed to a slight chance of light rain or drizzle over parts of the coast and inland areas, including Accra, Kumasi, Aflao and Anloga, during the early hours. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius nationwide, with the transition zone recording the widest swing between its overnight low and afternoon high.
By afternoon, the agency expects clearer skies over much of the south, with sunny intervals forecast for Accra, Kasoa, Aflao and Anloga, even as the northern sector continues to contend with cloudy and, in places, stormy conditions into the evening.
Mariners and coastal residents have been cautioned that the sea remains rough, a condition the GMA rates as a level two disturbance, and have been urged to exercise caution when venturing out on water.
The agency, in its bulletin signed by duty forecaster Fredrick Q. Cudjoe, has advised the public to stay safe and drive carefully, particularly in areas where reduced visibility from mist, fog or heavy rain could affect road users.
