The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather alert predicting widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Monday through Wednesday, with a strong warning of possible flash floods in several states.
In its weather outlook released Sunday in Abuja, NiMet highlighted the increasing risk of flood-related incidents, especially in vulnerable states, and advised Nigerians to take precautionary measures.
Monday Forecast
NiMet anticipates morning thunderstorms with moderate rainfall over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina. More intense thunderstorms are expected across the entire northern region by the afternoon.
There is a high likelihood of flooding in Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi States.
In the central region, light rains are forecast over Benue, the FCT, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa in the morning, with more rain expected later in Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and the FCT.
Southern states like Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa will see light rainfall, both in the morning and evening.
Flood alerts are issued for Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta during this period.
Tuesday Forecast
More thunderstorms are expected in Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara, with moderate rainfall across the north throughout the day.
Light rains will persist in FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue in the central zone, while southern states will continue to experience intermittent rainfall, particularly in Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
Flood risks are heightened in Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
Wednesday Forecast
Morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in Taraba and Kaduna, while Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Adamawa will likely see more storms later in the day.
In the central region, light rains are forecast in Nasarawa, Niger, and the FCT, with intermittent showers expected later in the day across Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue.
Southern states will remain cloudy with continued light rain, particularly in Bayelsa, where flooding is likely.
Public Advisory
NiMet urged the public to:
Avoid driving during heavy rain
Activate emergency response systems in flood-prone areas
Keep warm, especially for vulnerable individuals
Secure loose objects to prevent wind hazards
Disconnect electrical appliances during storms
Avoid sheltering under trees
Airline operators are also advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports for proper flight planning.
For real-time updates and detailed forecasts, visit www.nimet.gov.ng.
