The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of widespread thunderstorms, moderate to heavy rainfall, and a heightened risk of flooding across several states from Monday to Wednesday.
In its three-day weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, the agency projected that the northern region would experience morning thunderstorms on Monday, with moderate rains in parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States. Afternoon and evening conditions are expected to bring further thunderstorms over Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Adamawa States.
According to NiMet, “There is a high possibility of flooding occurring in parts of Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto States during the forecast period.”
The forecast also indicates light rains in parts of Niger State on Monday morning, with thunderstorms and light rains likely in the afternoon over the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States.
NiMet cautioned that “There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Plateau, Nasarawa, and Niger States during the forecast period.”
In the South, cloudy skies are expected on Monday morning with intermittent light rains over Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States. Later in the day, moderate rains could affect Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States. Flood alerts have also been issued for Delta, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.
NiMet’s Tuesday outlook predicts morning thunderstorms over Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, and Kaduna States, followed by widespread thunderstorms across the North later in the day. Light rains are expected in parts of the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi States in the morning, with more intense weather conditions developing by evening.
The southern region could see light rains in Oyo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Lagos, and Bayelsa States early on Tuesday, with rain persisting into the evening.
For Wednesday, morning thunderstorms are anticipated in Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, with the entire northern belt expected to receive moderate rainfall by afternoon. Central states such as Kwara, Niger, Kogi, and Plateau could see light rains in the morning, followed by thunderstorms later in the day. The South is forecast to experience steady rainfall throughout the day.
The agency advised residents in high-risk areas to activate flood emergency response measures and avoid driving during heavy rain. “To avoid leaching of nutrients, farmers should refrain from applying fertiliser and pesticides right before the rains,” NiMet said, adding that vulnerable persons should use warm clothing due to low night-time temperatures.
Additional safety tips include fastening loose objects to prevent wind damage, disconnecting electrical appliances during storms, and avoiding tall trees to reduce the risk of injury from falling branches.
NiMet also urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning and encouraged the public to stay updated via its official website, www.nimet.gov.ng.
