The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across much of the country from Monday to Wednesday, warning of potential flash floods in several northern and central states.
In its latest three-day weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said thunderstorms with moderate rainfall would affect parts of Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina on Monday morning, with Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba expected to experience rainfall later in the day.
“Flash floods are possible in Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano States during this period,” the agency cautioned, urging residents and local authorities to stay alert.
In the central region, including Niger, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, and Nasarawa, NiMet projected cloudy conditions in the morning followed by light to moderate rainfall. It particularly noted a high flood risk in Plateau State, where recent heavy rains have already saturated the soil.
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Across the southern states, including Ondo, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, residents are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall throughout the forecast period.
For Tuesday, NiMet predicted that sunny skies with patches of clouds would dominate the far northern regions, although thunderstorms and isolated rains would continue in Adamawa, Taraba, and nearby areas. The central and southern regions are likely to sustain moderate rainfall, the agency said.
By Wednesday, northern states would experience morning sunshine interspersed with thunderstorms, while cloudy skies and moderate rain would persist in the central areas. In the South, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River are expected to record morning showers followed by heavier rainfall later in the day.
NiMet urged residents in flood-prone communities to activate emergency response plans, avoid driving during heavy downpours, and secure loose items such as outdoor furniture and roofing sheets. It also warned of possible strong winds and reduced nighttime temperatures, particularly in the northern and central parts of the country.
The agency advised the public to unplug electrical appliances during storms and avoid taking shelter under tall trees or near power lines to prevent lightning-related hazards.
For the aviation sector, NiMet recommended that airlines obtain updated airport-specific weather briefings before flights to ensure safety amid potentially unstable atmospheric conditions.
“Safety remains our collective responsibility,” the agency noted, emphasizing that proactive measures could help reduce casualties and damage during the rainy season.
NiMet further encouraged Nigerians to follow real-time weather updates through its official website, www.nimet.gov.ng
, and social media channels for location-specific advisories and early warnings.
With heavy rains expected to continue into mid-October, NiMet reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely forecasts to guide public safety, agricultural planning, and disaster management efforts nationwide.