ABUJA The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast thundery and rainy weather conditions across the country from Wednesday to Friday, with a strong warning about the potential risk of flooding in several states.
In its weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja, NiMet predicted thunderstorms and moderate rainfall over large parts of the northern region, beginning on Wednesday. Areas expected to experience early rainfall include Kaduna, while afternoon and evening thunderstorms are forecast for Bauchi, Gombe, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, Taraba, and Borno.
In the central region, light morning showers are anticipated over the Federal Capital Territory, southern Niger, and Kwara, with additional rains expected later in the day across Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, and surrounding areas.
The southern region is also projected to experience widespread rainfall. Morning showers are expected in Enugu, Anambra, Imo, and Akwa Ibom, with continuous rainfall spreading across the region during the afternoon and evening hours.
Thursday and Friday Outlook
By Thursday, morning thunderstorms are expected in parts of Taraba, Kebbi, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Gombe in the North. Later in the day, storms and moderate rainfall are likely to spread to Borno, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Adamawa.
Benue is expected to receive light morning rains in the central region, while intermittent rains are forecast in Abuja, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Nasarawa through the afternoon.
The southern states of Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Ondo, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom are likely to see intermittent showers from morning into the evening hours.
On Friday, northern states such as Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Sokoto, and Zamfara will see morning thunderstorms, followed by isolated storms in the afternoon across Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Yobe, and the northwest.
Flood Risk and Safety Advisory
NiMet issued a serious flood alert, citing a high probability of flash flooding in parts of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna. Similar warnings apply to central states like Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, and Plateau, and southern states including Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, and Cross River.
The agency strongly advised against driving during heavy rainfall and called on authorities in flood-prone areas to activate emergency response protocols.
Farmers are cautioned not to apply fertilizer or pesticides just before rainfall to avoid nutrient leaching. Vulnerable individuals are advised to keep warm due to cooler night-time temperatures, and residents are urged to secure loose items to prevent accidents caused by strong winds.
In addition, NiMet advised residents to disconnect appliances during storms, avoid sheltering under trees, and for airline operators to obtain up-to-date, airport-specific forecasts for flight planning.
