The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has projected widespread rainstorms and thundery weather across the country from Monday through Wednesday, with warnings of possible flooding in Benue, Taraba, and Cross River States.
In its three-day weather outlook released on Sunday via its official X handle, the agency predicted morning thunderstorms with moderate rainfall over parts of the northern region, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States on Monday.
Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Taraba.
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For the central region, NiMet forecasts a mix of cloudy conditions, sunshine, and rainfall activities. Thunderstorms and light rains are expected in Niger, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa in the morning, while Niger, Kwara, and the FCT will experience isolated thunderstorms later in the day. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are also anticipated in Benue, Plateau, Kogi, and Nasarawa.
In the southern region, cloudy skies with light rains are expected in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and Cross River States in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms and moderate rainfall forecast across the entire region later in the day. Over the subsequent days, light showers are expected in Edo, Ondo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States, followed by moderate thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings.
The northern axis, NiMet added, will generally experience sunny skies with patches of clouds during the forecast period. However, thunderstorms are expected in Taraba and Adamawa in the mornings, while isolated thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are likely in Zamfara, Kaduna, Gombe, and Adamawa later in the day.
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“Northern States, Morning, Sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected with prospects of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Taraba and Adamawa States.
“ Afternoon/Evening: Isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Southern Adamawa, Southern Zamfara, Kaduna, Kebbi, Southern Sokoto, and Taraba States.
“Central States, Morning:
Cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals.
“ Afternoon/Evening:
Isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Niger, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Southern States, Morning:
Cloudy atmosphere with prospects of intermittent rains over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Imo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa States.
“Afternoon/Evening:
Isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over most parts of the southern region,” the agency noted.
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NiMet cautioned residents of Benue, Taraba, and Cross River to prepare for possible flooding and activate emergency response plans to minimise risks.
In its advisory, the agency urged Nigerians to secure loose outdoor objects, disconnect electrical appliances during storms, avoid tall trees, and refrain from driving in heavy rains or flood-prone areas. Farmers were also advised to avoid applying fertilisers or pesticides before rainfall to prevent nutrient leaching.
Airline operators were encouraged to obtain airport-specific weather reports to ensure safe and effective flight planning.
