The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has forecast thunderstorms and rain across parts of northern and transition Ghana today as an active rainstorm currently situated along the Nigeria-Benin border is expected to move westwards during the day.

In its 18-hour weather outlook, the agency said the weather system is likely to affect portions of the northern and transition belts from mid-morning into the afternoon, increasing the chances of widespread thunderstorms accompanied by rain of varying intensity.

The forecast indicates that early morning conditions across much of the country will be dominated by mostly cloudy skies, with patches of mist and fog expected over sections of the coast, forest and mountainous areas. The reduced visibility is expected to ease later in the morning as temperatures rise.

GMet said slight to moderate rain is likely over a few coastal communities during the morning before weather conditions become more unstable.

As the day progresses, most coastal and inland areas are expected to experience intervals of sunshine followed by increasing cloud cover and thunderstorms with rain extending into the afternoon and evening.

Northern communities, including Tamale, Yendi, Bolgatanga, Nalerigu, Wa and Damongo, are expected to bear the greatest impact of the advancing rainstorm, with thunderstorms forecast from the morning through the afternoon. Parts of the transition belt, including Kete Krachi, Atebubu, Ejura and Kintampo, are also likely to experience thunderstorm activity later in the day.

Across southern Ghana, areas such as Accra, Aflao and Anloga are expected to receive light rain during the morning, while Takoradi, Cape Coast, Kumasi, Obuasi and other inland locations are forecast to remain mostly cloudy before thunderstorms develop during the afternoon and evening.

Maximum temperatures are expected to range from about 30 degrees Celsius along the coast to as high as 35 degrees Celsius in the northern sector, while minimum temperatures are forecast to be between 22 and 23 degrees Celsius across most parts of the country.

GMet has also advised that the state of the sea will remain rough, urging fisherfolk, boat operators and other users of the marine environment to exercise caution throughout the day to minimise the risk of accidents.

The agency has encouraged the public, particularly residents in the northern and transition belts, to stay alert for changing weather conditions and possible thunderstorms, while motorists are advised to exercise caution in areas affected by reduced visibility from early morning mist and fog.