The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued a fresh weather advisory predicting thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall across various parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday, with a warning of potential flash flooding in some states.
The weather outlook, released on Sunday in Abuja, forecasts stormy weather conditions particularly in the northern, central, and southern regions, urging residents to take precautionary measures.
“From Monday, we expect morning thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall in areas such as Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina,” the agency said. “These conditions are expected to intensify in the afternoon and evening across the northern belt.”
NiMet highlighted a high likelihood of flash floods occurring in parts of Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi States during this period. The central region is also expected to experience light rainfall in the mornings, especially in Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa. Later in the day, areas such as Kwara and Plateau will also witness light rain showers.
The southern region will not be spared, with cloudy skies and light rain predicted over states including Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, and Bayelsa. NiMet added that flooding may likely occur in Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta due to rainfall accumulation.
On Tuesday, thunderstorms and moderate rains are anticipated over Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara in the North, while intermittent rain will spread over the central zone including Kwara, Niger, and the FCT.
The weather agency maintained that cloudy conditions with light rain would dominate the South on Tuesday, adding that the risks of flood remain elevated in Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States.
By Wednesday, moderate rainfall and isolated thunderstorms are forecast over Taraba and Kaduna in the morning, with the activity spreading to Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, and Kano in the afternoon.
In the central region, NiMet predicted light rains in the morning across Nasarawa, Niger, and the FCT, with increased rain activity expected later in Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue.
The southern states will again experience cloudy skies and light rainfall, with Bayelsa remaining at high flood risk.
“Residents in flood-prone areas should remain vigilant. Emergency response mechanisms must be activated in these regions,” NiMet cautioned.
The agency also advised, “People should avoid driving through floodwaters and ensure that vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, are protected from cold night-time temperatures.”
Airline operators were urged to obtain up-to-date, airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to ensure flight safety.
The public is encouraged to stay updated by visiting NiMet’s official website, www.nimet.gov.ng, for regular bulletins.
“Disconnect electrical appliances during storms, fasten loose outdoor objects, and avoid standing near tall trees to prevent injuries from falling branches,” the advisory warned.
