The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across several parts of the country from Sunday through Tuesday.
In its weather outlook issued on Saturday in Abuja, the agency predicted moderate rainfall over parts of Jigawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa during the morning hours of Sunday, with thunderstorms expected later in the day in northern states including Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and others.
NiMet warned of possible flooding in parts of Kebbi, Gombe, and Bauchi states, urging residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for emergencies.
For the central region, the forecast indicated intermittent light rainfall in Plateau, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Sunday morning, with heavier downpours expected in Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, and Kogi by afternoon and evening. Flood alerts were also issued for Niger, Plateau, Kogi, and Benue states.
In the South, cloudy skies are expected in the mornings, followed by light rainfall in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, and Lagos later in the day.
The forecast for Tuesday points to thunderstorms with moderate rains in northern states such as Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna, with further rainfall likely in Kebbi and other parts of the North-West and North-East. Central states, including the FCT, Niger, and Plateau, are expected to experience moderate showers, while the southern states may see light rainfall in Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Cross River, and Lagos.
NiMet advised residents to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, and urged state authorities in flood-prone areas to activate emergency response plans. Farmers were cautioned against applying fertiliser or pesticides ahead of the rains to prevent nutrient loss.
The agency further warned the public to secure loose objects, wear warm clothing against low night temperatures, disconnect electrical appliances during storms, and avoid sheltering under tall trees.
Airline operators were also directed to obtain updated, airport-specific forecasts for effective flight planning.