NiMet warns of flash floods as thunderstorms, rain persist across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of possible flash floods in several parts of the country as thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rains are expected between Monday and Wednesday.

According to NiMet’s forecast released on Sunday, heavy downpours may trigger flash floods in Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano states, while parts of Plateau also face a high flood risk.

The agency said thunderstorms with moderate rainfall would begin over northern states, including Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina on Monday morning, before extending to Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba in the afternoon.

“Central states like Niger, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, and Nasarawa will see morning cloudiness and light to moderate rainfall, with a high risk of flooding in parts of Plateau,” the statement read.

In the south, light to moderate rains are expected in Ondo, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.

NiMet added that while Tuesday would bring sunny skies with patchy clouds in the north, thunderstorms and rains would persist in Adamawa, Taraba, and surrounding states.

By Wednesday, northern states would see sunny mornings with thunderstorms later in the day, while central and southern regions, including Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River, would experience showers and moderate to heavy afternoon rains.

The agency advised residents in flood-prone areas to activate emergency responses, avoid driving during heavy rainfall, secure loose objects, and take precautions against strong winds and low nighttime temperatures.

It also urged Nigerians to disconnect electrical appliances during storms and avoid seeking shelter under tall trees, while airline operators were reminded to obtain airport-specific weather reports for safe operations.