NiMet Warns Nigerians To Prepare For Three Days Of Thunderstorms And Heavy Rain.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued an urgent weather alert, forecasting widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the country from Monday, 7 July, to Wednesday, 9 July 2025. The agency’s three-day weather outlook, released on Sunday in Abuja, advises residents to brace for potential flash floods, strong winds, and lightning hazards that could disrupt daily activities and pose safety risks.
According to NiMet, Monday will see patches of cloud cover with isolated morning thunderstorms in parts of Taraba and Adamawa states. As the day progresses, thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall are expected to spread to Zamfara, Kebbi, Taraba, Kaduna, and Adamawa. In the North-Central region, sunny skies with patches of cloud are forecast for the morning, but isolated thunderstorms and rain are likely in the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa states during the afternoon and evening. Southern regions, including coastal areas like Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa, are expected to experience a cloudy atmosphere with morning rains, intensifying later in the day.
On Tuesday, the northern region will start with sunny skies and patches of cloud, but isolated thunderstorms and moderate rain are anticipated in Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, and Adamawa by afternoon. The North-Central and southern regions will follow a similar pattern, with cloudy mornings giving way to thunderstorms and rain. By Wednesday, early morning thunderstorms are forecast for Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, and Gombe, with further storms expected across Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, and Zamfara later in the day.
NiMet has urged the public to take precautions, warning that strong winds may precede the rains, increasing the risk of falling branches and other hazards. “Residents should secure loose objects, avoid driving during heavy downpours, and refrain from seeking shelter under trees to prevent injuries,” the agency advised. It also recommended unplugging electrical appliances to protect against lightning-induced power surges. Airline operators have been directed to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to ensure safe flight planning.
The agency’s warning comes amid concerns about flooding, particularly in coastal areas like Lagos, where the state government has already advised residents in low-lying areas to relocate to higher ground. NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, emphasised the importance of staying informed, urging citizens to follow updates through the agency’s official channels, including its website, to stay safe during this period of intense weather activity.
As Nigeria navigates its rainy season, which typically runs from April to October, NiMet’s timely forecast underscores its critical role in enhancing disaster preparedness and safeguarding lives. The agency continues to collaborate with stakeholders, including the media and local governments, to ensure that weather warnings reach communities across the country, helping to mitigate the impact of severe weather events.