NiMet Forecasts Nationwide Thunderstorms, Rain, and Flood Risk

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has projected thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Monday to Wednesday, warning of possible flooding in several states.

In its weather outlook released Sunday in Abuja, NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms on Monday in northern states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba, with moderate rains expected later over Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Adamawa. It also highlighted a high flood risk for Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto.

In the central region, light morning rains are expected over Niger State, followed by afternoon thunderstorms and light showers in the FCT, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi. Flood alerts were also issued for Plateau, Nasarawa, and Niger.

For the south, cloudy skies with light rain are expected in Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom in the morning, with moderate rains later across Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom. Flood risks were flagged for Delta, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.

On Tuesday, thunderstorms with moderate rains are forecast over Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, and Kaduna in the morning, and later in Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Gombe. Light rains are expected in the central region during the morning, with thunderstorms in the afternoon. Southern states including Oyo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Lagos, and Bayelsa will see rains throughout the day.

By Wednesday, morning thunderstorms will hit Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, spreading to the entire north by afternoon. Central states will see light morning rains, with thunderstorms later, while the south will experience steady rainfall from morning to evening.

NiMet advised against driving in heavy rain, urged states at flood risk to activate emergency responses, and cautioned farmers against applying fertiliser before rainfall. Residents were also warned to secure loose items, avoid tall trees, and disconnect electrical appliances during storms. Airline operators were told to obtain updated weather reports for safe flight planning.