The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a nationwide weather alert, forecasting thunderstorms, moderate rainfall and flash floods across several states from Monday to Wednesday.
In its three-day weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet warned that the combination of sustained rainfall and thunderstorms could lead to flooding in both northern and southern parts of the country.
Northern Region
On Monday morning, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected in parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina.
The same weather conditions are forecast for later in the day across the entire region.
Flooding risks are particularly high in Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi.
Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to bring similar conditions, with Taraba, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kebbi predicted to experience storms and moderate rain.
Isolated thunderstorms are also forecast for Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Jigawa by midweek.
Central Region
Morning light rains are expected over Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa on Monday, with further rainfall forecast for Nasarawa, Kwara, Plateau, and surrounding areas later in the day.
This pattern continues into Tuesday and Wednesday, with intermittent light rains across Abuja, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue.
Southern Region
Cloudy skies and light rains will dominate the mornings in Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa on Monday, with continued showers later in the day.
NiMet warned of a heightened risk of flooding in Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta early in the week.
By Wednesday, further flooding is anticipated in Bayelsa, as rains persist across the southern belt.
Public Advisory
NiMet urged residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to take precautionary measures. “Avoid driving during heavy rainfall, activate emergency response systems where needed, and secure loose objects that may cause harm during storms,” the agency advised.
The agency also recommended warm clothing for the vulnerable due to likely drops in nighttime temperatures and cautioned people to stay indoors during severe weather. “Stay away from tall trees, disconnect electrical appliances, and follow official weather updates,” NiMet said.
Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather forecasts to guide their flight planning and operations.
Weather updates are available via NiMet’s official website and communication channels.