The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has alerted Nigerians to expect increased rainfall and thunderstorms across several parts of the country between Sunday and Tuesday, urging caution and preparedness to mitigate flood risks.
In its latest three-day weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja, NiMet projected “moderate rain” on Sunday morning over parts of Jigawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states. By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall are also expected in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and other northern states.
“There is a high possibility of flooding in parts of Kebbi, Gombe and Bauchi States during the forecast period,” the agency cautioned.
For the North-Central region, the forecast indicates light, intermittent rains over Abuja, Plateau and Niger in the morning, with similar conditions predicted later over Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara and Kogi States.
NiMet added: “We urge residents in areas prone to flash floods to activate their emergency response plans,” highlighting Niger, Kogi, Plateau and Benue among vulnerable states.
Cloudy skies are expected over the southern region in the early hours of Sunday, before rainfall resumes in Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Osun, Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River later in the day. Osun State, in particular, is flagged for “high flood potential”.
Rainfall and thunderstorm activities are forecast to continue on Monday and Tuesday across the northern axis including Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna. Southern states such as Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Cross River are expected to see light to moderate rainfall.
NiMet advised motorists to avoid driving in heavy downpours and urged farmers to halt fertiliser application ahead of expected showers to prevent nutrient leaching.
“Residents should ensure loose objects are securely fastened, disconnect electrical appliances during severe weather, and stay away from tall trees,” the agency said, stressing the need for protective clothing due to a drop in night-time temperatures.
The aviation sector was also urged to obtain location-specific meteorological reports “for effective flight planning”.
“Staying informed through NiMet’s daily weather updates is a key safeguard during this active rainfall period,” the agency added.