The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms set to hit different parts of the country starting Monday, with risks of flash floods in several states.
In a three-day forecast released Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said the weather conditions signal a critical period in the rainy season, especially for flood-prone areas.
On Monday morning, thunderstorms are expected in northern states including Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina. NiMet warned that conditions may worsen as the day progresses.
“There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states during the forecast period,” the agency stated.
In the central region, early morning light rain is expected in Benue, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), followed by more widespread showers later in the day across Plateau, Kwara, and nearby areas.
Southern states are likely to see cloudy skies and light rain in the early hours across Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa. By afternoon, rains are expected to intensify in many of these states, with warnings of possible flooding in Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta.
Tuesday’s forecast continues with morning thunderstorms expected in Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara.
“Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region later in the day,” NiMet said.
Intermittent rain is also expected across the central belt including Abuja, while steady showers will likely affect the south, stretching from Lagos to Calabar. NiMet advised residents of Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom to brace for flooding.
By Wednesday, thunderstorms are expected in Taraba and Kaduna in the morning, followed by scattered storms and moderate rainfall in Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano later in the day. Light showers will continue across the central zone in the morning, with heavier rain forecast in the afternoon. In the south, states including Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River are expected to experience intermittent rainfall, with Bayelsa facing the highest flood risk mid-week.
NiMet urged residents to stay alert and act early. “Avoid driving under heavy rain, and states with the possibility of flash floods should activate their emergency response systems immediately,” the forecast read.
The agency also advised households to secure loose items, wear warm clothing at night, and unplug appliances during thunderstorms.
Airline operators were asked to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning. NiMet encouraged the public to monitor its official platforms for weather updates.
