The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning of widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the country starting Monday, heightening concerns over potential flash floods in several states.
The three-day weather forecast, released on Sunday in Abuja, highlights increased risks as Nigeria moves deeper into a critical phase of the rainy season.
According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), morning thunderstorms are expected on Monday in several northern states, including Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina, with weather conditions likely to intensify later in the day.
“There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states during the forecast period,” NiMet said in its statement.
In central Nigeria, light rains are anticipated in the morning across Benue, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Showers are expected to spread into Plateau, Kwara, and other nearby states by afternoon and evening.
Southern states are forecast to experience cloudy skies in the early hours, with light rainfall likely in Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa. Later in the day, more widespread rains are expected, with NiMet specifically warning of potential flooding in Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta.
On Tuesday, thunderstorms are expected to persist across the northern region, particularly in Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara.
“Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region later in the day,” the agency said.
Intermittent rainfall is forecast across central states, including the FCT, while southern states from Lagos to Calabar may witness persistent showers. NiMet cautioned residents in Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom to prepare for possible flooding.
By Wednesday morning, thunderstorms are expected in Taraba and Kaduna, followed by isolated storms and moderate rains across Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano.
Central states will again see light morning showers, with more widespread rainfall anticipated later in the day. In the south, intermittent rains are forecast for Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River, with Bayelsa facing the highest flood risk mid-week.
NiMet urged residents in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures. “Avoid driving under heavy rain, and states with the possibility of flash floods should activate their emergency response systems immediately,” the agency advised.
Households were encouraged to secure loose items, wear warm clothing during cooler nights, and disconnect electrical appliances during storms to reduce the risk of damage.
Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific weather briefings to ensure safe flight planning. NiMet further urged the public to monitor updates on its official website and social media channels.
