Nigeria’s Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that there will be heavy rain and thunderstorms across the country starting Monday, which could lead to flash floods in some areas.
The agency made this announcement on Sunday in Abuja, saying the next three days will be dangerous as the country enters the peak of the rainy season.
On Monday, NiMet expects early morning thunderstorms in northern states like Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina. The rain is likely to become heavier as the day goes on.
“There is a high chance of flooding in parts of Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi states during this period,” NiMet said in its statement.
In central Nigeria, states like Benue, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) will experience light rain in the morning. By afternoon and evening, the rain will extend to Plateau, Kwara, and nearby states.
The central region, including Abuja, is expected to have light rains off and on, while states in the south, from Lagos to Calabar, may have continuous rainfall. NiMet specifically warned people living in Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom to get ready for possible flooding.
On Wednesday morning, thunderstorms are expected in Taraba and Kaduna. Later in the day, places like Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano will see isolated storms with moderate rainfall. The central region will have light showers in the morning, followed by heavier rains in the afternoon. In the south, intermittent rain is expected in Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River. Bayelsa State has the highest risk of flooding in the middle of the week.
NiMet advised people to be very careful. “Avoid driving when it is raining heavily. States that might experience flash floods should activate their emergency response systems immediately,” the agency said.
The agency also told people to secure loose items around their homes, wear warm clothes during cold nights, and unplug electrical appliances during storms to avoid accidents.
