The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that heavy rainfall and strong winds will affect parts of the country between Friday, September 26 and Sunday, September 28, 2025.
In a weather update released on Thursday, September 25, NiMet said moderate to heavy rainfall is expected on Saturday, September 27, in Taraba, Benue, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.
Light to moderate rainfall will spread across most parts of the country, while states like Kano, Bauchi, Katsina, Jigawa, Gombe, Yobe, and Borno will experience low rainfall with little risk of flooding.
On Sunday, September 28, heavy rain will continue in parts of southern Taraba, Benue, and Cross River, while other areas are likely to record lighter showers.
Northern states including Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno are expected to see little or no rainfall hazards.
NiMet also warned of strong winds in parts of Yobe, Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Borno, and Sokoto during the forecast period. These winds could uproot trees, damage weak buildings, and force people from their homes.
The agency said the rains may trigger flash floods, soil erosion, destruction of infrastructure, displacement of people, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases in vulnerable areas.
It advised disaster management agencies to stay alert, review their emergency plans, and increase awareness campaigns to help residents prepare.
NiMet added that temperatures across the country will remain moderate with little or no risk of heat-related problems.
The agency urged state governments, emergency workers, and residents to pay attention to updates and take steps to stay safe.
Meanwhile, the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Ministry of Environment has also issued an alert for heavy rain and possible flooding in 15 states and 69 communities between September 24 and 28.
The states listed include Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kano, Katsina, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara.
Communities at risk include Yola, Yenagoa, Warri, Benin City, Oguta, Kano, Jibia, Akure, Oyo, Ahoada, Shagari, Serti, and Gusau.
The ministry warned that heavy rainfall in these areas could cause flooding in the identified communities and surrounding areas. It urged residents and local authorities to prepare and take preventive measures.
It said the alert is part of its routine early-warning system to reduce the risk of loss of lives and property during the peak of the rainy season.
The warning follows days of heavy rainfall that flooded parts of Lagos, destroying homes, disrupting businesses, and blocking major roads.
Flooding has remained a major problem in Nigeria during the rainy season. In 2022, the country recorded its worst flooding in a decade, which killed more than 600 people, displaced 1.4 million, and destroyed farmlands, worsening food shortages.
Experts blame the increasing floods on climate change, poor drainage systems, and uncontrolled urban development in high-risk areas.
NiMet and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had earlier warned of high flood risks across many parts of the country in 2025.
The Ministry of Environment stressed that the public must take these early warnings seriously. It advised state governments to activate their flood response plans, while communities should clear drainages, avoid building on waterways, and relocate from flood-prone areas if needed.
