The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted widespread rain and thunderstorms across the country from Sunday to Tuesday, with a warning of possible flooding in some states.
In its weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja, NiMet projected moderate rainfall over parts of Jigawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa states during the morning hours on Sunday.
Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba states. The agency also highlighted a high possibility of flooding in Kebbi, Gombe, and Bauchi during the period.
For the central region, NiMet forecast intermittent light rains over Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Niger State in the morning, extending to Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, and Kogi states in the afternoon and evening. It also warned of potential flooding in parts of Niger, Plateau, Kogi, and Benue.
In the South, cloudy skies are expected in the morning, with moderate rainfall later in the day in Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Osun, Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. NiMet noted the likelihood of flooding in parts of Osun.
On Monday, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated in Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna. Light rains are expected in the central states, including the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Plateau, and Kwara, while light showers are forecast in the South.
By Tuesday, morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna, with afternoon thunderstorms likely in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and Adamawa. The FCT, Niger, and Plateau are expected to experience moderate rains later in the day, while light rains are anticipated in parts of Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Cross River, and Lagos.
NiMet cautioned the public against driving under heavy rain and advised states with high flood risks to activate emergency response plans. Farmers were also urged not to apply fertilizers or pesticides just before rainfall to avoid nutrient leaching.
The agency further advised:
Ensure warm clothing for vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures.
Fasten loose objects to avoid collisions.
Disconnect electrical appliances and avoid tall trees during storms.
Airline operators should obtain airport-specific weather reports for planning.
Residents were encouraged to stay updated through NiMet’s regular weather advisories, available on its website, www.nimet.gov.ng.
