By Andrew Haruna
Nigeria’s Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a serious warning about widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall expected across multiple states from Monday through Wednesday, raising the alarm over likely flash floods in vulnerable areas.
In a statement released Sunday in Abuja, the agency cautioned that the country is entering a critical phase of the rainy season, and urged residents, emergency agencies, and transport operators to brace for disruptions.
“There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi states during the forecast period,”
NiMet warned.
Three-Day Outlook: High-Risk Areas Identified
Monday:
Northern states such as Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina are expected to witness morning thunderstorms, with more intense conditions anticipated later in the day.
In the central region, Benue, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are likely to see early light rains, which will spread by afternoon to Plateau, Kwara, and neighboring states.
The southern part of the country, including Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa, will experience cloudy skies and light showers in the morning, followed by heavier rainfall later in the day. Flood alerts have been raised for Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta states.
Tuesday:
Northern states including Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara are forecast to experience sustained morning thunderstorms, with moderate rains likely across the region as the day progresses.
The central belt, including Abuja, is expected to receive scattered showers, while the southern coastal states may face persistent rainfall. NiMet highlighted Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom as high-risk zones for flooding.
Wednesday:
Thunderstorms are expected to hit Taraba and Kaduna early in the morning, while later in the day, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano may see isolated storms and moderate rain.
In the central and southern regions, rains will continue intermittently, with Bayelsa facing the highest flood threat by mid-week.
Safety Measures Urged
NiMet advised residents in affected areas to avoid driving during heavy downpours and to activate local emergency response systems where necessary.
“Avoid driving under heavy rain, and states with the possibility of flash floods should activate their emergency response systems immediately,”
the agency said.
The advisory also included tips for households to secure loose items, unplug electrical appliances, and wear warm clothing during colder nights.
Airline operators were told to seek airport-specific weather updates for flight planning to avoid weather-related delays or hazards.
Residents are encouraged to monitor daily updates on NiMet’s official website and remain vigilant during this weather period.
