The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across the country from Monday to Wednesday, warning of potential flash floods in several states.
In its three-day weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said the northern region will experience thunderstorms and moderate rainfall, particularly in Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina States on Monday morning.
Other areas in the region are expected to have sunny intervals with patches of clouds.
Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected across more northern states, including Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba. However, NiMet flagged Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano as flash flood-prone during the period.
In the central region, cloudy skies are anticipated in the morning, with light to moderate rainfall forecast for Niger, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, and Nasarawa. Later in the day, heavier rains are likely in Plateau, FCT, Kogi, and Benue. The agency also warned of potential flooding in Plateau State.
For the southern region, morning cloud cover is expected, followed by light to moderate rains in Ondo, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States later in the day.
Tuesday Weather Pattern
On Tuesday, northern states will see sunny intervals in the morning, with thunderstorms forecast for Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano.
More widespread rain is expected later in the day in Sokoto, Kebbi, and surrounding states.
The central region will experience morning showers in Niger, Benue, FCT, Kogi, Plateau, and Nasarawa, with moderate rain continuing into the evening. Southern areas, including Akwa Ibom and Cross River, may see early rain, followed by moderate showers across the southeast and south-south later in the day.
Wednesday Outlook
Wednesday will bring cloudy skies with early thunderstorms to parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Taraba, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina in the north. Afternoon storms are expected to affect Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa.
Central states—Plateau, Niger, FCT, and Nasarawa—will see morning thunderstorms with further moderate rain anticipated by evening.
In the south, early rains are likely in Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River.
Heavier rains are expected later in the day across Abia, Enugu, Imo, Delta, Bayelsa, and other southern states.
Public Advised to Stay Alert
NiMet advised residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and activate emergency response plans.
It also urged motorists to avoid driving during heavy rainfall and recommended warm clothing for vulnerable populations due to cooler night temperatures.
“Secure loose objects against strong winds, disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms, and avoid taking shelter under tall trees,” the agency cautioned.
The agency further advised airline operators to obtain up-to-date weather information from its offices for flight planning and safety.
Weather updates and forecasts are available via NiMet’s official platforms.