NiMet warns of 3-day thunderstorms, flash floods across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across the country from Monday to Wednesday, warning of possible flash floods in several states.

In its weather outlook released Sunday in Abuja, NiMet cautioned that parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states are at high risk of flooding as heavy downpours are expected during the forecast period.

On Monday morning, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Katsina in the northern region, with intensified rainfall anticipated later in the afternoon.

The central states of Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa will also experience light rains throughout the day.

For the southern region, cloudy skies and light rains are likely in parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa. NiMet flagged Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta as flood-prone areas during the period.

Tuesday will bring further thunderstorms and moderate rains in Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna and Zamfara, spreading later across the northern region.

Light rain will persist in the central and southern states, with flooding risks highlighted in Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

By Wednesday, rainfall will continue in northern states such as Taraba, Kaduna, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano and Adamawa.

Isolated thunderstorms are expected in these areas, while intermittent light rains will affect central states including the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Benue.

In the south, Bayelsa was again flagged for potential flooding, with light rains forecast across the region in both morning and evening hours.

NiMet urged residents in vulnerable areas to activate emergency response systems and avoid driving under heavy rainfall. The agency also advised proper fastening of loose objects, disconnection of electrical appliances, and sheltering away from tall trees during storms.

The agency encouraged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning, and advised the public to stay updated.