By Ameh Gabriel
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a nationwide weather forecast warning of widespread thunderstorms, rainfall, and the potential for flash floods between Monday and Wednesday, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
In its three-day weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet projected varying degrees of rain and thunderstorm activities across the northern, central, and southern parts of the country, with high flood risks in several states.
Monday Forecast
NiMet predicts morning thunderstorms with moderate rainfall in parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States. Thunderstorms and rain are expected to intensify across the entire northern region later in the afternoon and evening.
The agency specifically flagged Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi as high-risk areas for flash flooding.
In the central region, light rain is anticipated over Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa during the morning hours. These conditions are expected to persist into the afternoon across Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, and Benue.
The southern states will experience cloudy skies with morning drizzles in Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa. Light rain is expected to spread across the entire region by evening, with Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta listed as flood-prone areas.
Tuesday Forecast
Thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are forecast across northern states including Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara in the morning, extending to the rest of the region by evening.
In the central belt, intermittent light rains are predicted over the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue throughout the day.
The southern states will continue to experience cloudy weather and intermittent light rainfall. Areas at high risk of flooding on Tuesday include Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
Wednesday Forecast
NiMet expects morning thunderstorms with moderate rains over Taraba and Kaduna, followed by isolated thunderstorms and moderate rains across Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Adamawa later in the day.
In the central region, light rain is forecast in the morning over Nasarawa, Niger, and the FCT. By evening, rain is expected to intensify across the region, affecting Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue.
For the southern part of the country, cloudy skies with light rainfall are anticipated in Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Cross River. These conditions are expected to persist into the evening, with Bayelsa flagged for a high possibility of flooding.
Public Advisory
NiMet urged Nigerians, especially those in flood-prone areas, to stay alert and activate emergency response systems where necessary. The agency also advised the public to:
- Avoid driving during heavy rainfall to prevent accidents and flood-related incidents;
- Ensure warm clothing for vulnerable populations due to lower nighttime temperatures;
- Secure loose objects around homes to avoid damage from strong winds;
- Disconnect electrical appliances during storms;
- Stay clear of tall trees and weak structures to avoid falling debris.
Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific weather information from NiMet for effective flight planning and safety.
The agency encouraged the public to stay updated by visiting its official website: www.nimet.gov.ng.
