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Nigeria’s Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning about widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall starting on Monday, raising concerns about possible flash flooding in various states.
The three-day forecast, published on Sunday in Abuja, indicates increased risks as the country enters a significant phase of the rainy season.
The agency forecasts morning thunderstorms on Monday in the northern states of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina, with conditions expected to worsen 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 rain is predicted in the morning for Benue, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory. By the afternoon and evening, showers are anticipated to extend into Plateau, Kwara, and surrounding states.
Cloudy weather is expected across much of the south, with light rainfall possible in Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa during the early hours. Later on, more extensive rainfall is predicted, with NiMet warning of possible flooding in Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta.
On Tuesday, the agency anticipates ongoing morning thunderstorms in the northern region, particularly in Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara. “Thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected across the entire region later in the day,” the agency noted.
Central states, including Abuja, are forecasted to experience intermittent rain, while southern states from Lagos to Calabar may experience continuous showers. NiMet specifically urged residents in Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom to prepare for possible flooding.
By Wednesday, thunderstorms are expected to move through Taraba and Kaduna in the morning, with isolated storms and moderate rain likely later across Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano. The central region will again see light showers in the morning, with more widespread rain expected in the afternoon. In the south, intermittent rainfall is forecasted for states including Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River, with Bayelsa facing the greatest flood risk mid-week.
NiMet also recommended that households secure loose items, wear warm clothing during cooler nights, and disconnect electrical devices during storms. Airline operators were advised to seek airport-specific weather briefings for flight planning, and NiMet encouraged Nigerians to stay informed by following updates on its official website.
