NiMet warns of three-day flash floods, heavy rainfall across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted a three-day spell of thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall across parts of the country, warning of possible flash floods and strong winds in some northern and central states.

In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said that from Monday to Wednesday, several states will experience wet conditions, with varying intensities of rain across the regions.

The agency said thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected over parts of Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina on Monday morning, extending later in the day to Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba states.

“Flash floods are possible in Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano during this period,” the agency cautioned.

For central states such as Niger, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, and Nasarawa, NiMet forecasted morning cloudiness and light to moderate rainfall, with a “high risk of flooding in parts of Plateau.”

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 states.

NiMet said Tuesday would bring a mix of sunny skies and patchy clouds in the northern region, while thunderstorms and rains would persist in Adamawa, Taraba, and neighbouring states. Moderate rainfall is expected to continue across central and southern areas.

“On Wednesday, sunshine with thunderstorms is expected over the northern states in the morning, while cloudy skies and moderate rains will prevail over the central region,” the forecast added.

“Southern states, including Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River, will experience morning showers and moderate to heavy rains later in the day.”

The agency urged residents in flood-prone communities to activate emergency responses, avoid driving during heavy downpours, and secure loose objects to prevent storm damage.

It also advised against sheltering under trees during storms and warned of possible low nighttime temperatures and strong winds.

NiMet further advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight safety and encouraged the public to stay updated through its official website.