NiMet Forecasts Thunderstorms And Potential Flash Floods Across Nigeria.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a three-day weather forecast, predicting thunderstorms and widespread rainfall across the country from Monday to Wednesday, with a risk of flash floods in several states. The agency’s outlook, released on Sunday in Abuja, highlights the likelihood of significant weather events as Nigeria navigates the peak of its rainy season, urging residents to take precautions to ensure safety.
On Monday, NiMet expects morning thunderstorms with moderate rainfall in parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina states in the northern region. By the afternoon and evening, these conditions are forecast to spread across the entire northern region. The agency has warned of a high likelihood of flash flooding in Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi states. In the central region, light rains are anticipated during the morning over Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa states, with further light rains expected in the afternoon across Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory. In the southern region, cloudy skies are predicted, with intermittent light rains expected in Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states, and a high risk of flooding in Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta states.
Tuesday’s forecast indicates continued thunderstorms in the northern region, with moderate rains expected in the morning over Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara states, spreading across the region later in the day. The central region is likely to experience intermittent light rains throughout the day in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue states. In the south, cloudy skies with intermittent light rains are expected across Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states, with a high risk of flooding in Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states.
On Wednesday, NiMet predicts morning thunderstorms with moderate rains in Taraba and Kaduna states in the northern region, with isolated thunderstorms and moderate rains expected later in Borno, Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Adamawa states. The central region is forecast to see light rains in the morning over Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory, with intermittent light rains in the afternoon across the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue states. In the southern region, cloudy skies with intermittent light rains are expected in the morning over Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Cross River states, with light rains spreading across the region later in the day and a high risk of flooding in Bayelsa State.
NiMet has urged residents in flood-prone areas to activate emergency response systems immediately and avoid driving during heavy rainfall. The agency advised ensuring warm clothing for vulnerable individuals due to low night-time temperatures and securing loose objects to prevent collisions caused by strong winds. It also recommended disconnecting electrical appliances during storms and avoiding sheltering under tall trees to reduce risks from falling branches. Airline operators were encouraged to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for effective operational planning.
The agency stressed the importance of staying informed through regular weather updates, directing residents to its website for the latest information. As Nigeria braces for these weather conditions, NiMet’s timely warnings aim to help communities prepare and mitigate the risks associated with thunderstorms and potential flash flooding.
