NiMet Forecasts Three Days Of Rain And Thunderstorms Nationwide

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across the country from Monday through Wednesday.

In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said isolated thunderstorms with light rain are expected over parts of Adamawa and Taraba on Monday morning. Later in the day, thunderstorms are likely over Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Adamawa, Southern Borno, and Taraba.

For the central region, a mix of cloudiness and sunshine is expected, with thunderstorms and light rain forecast over Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, and Benue in the morning. More widespread thunderstorms with moderate rain are anticipated later in the day.

The southern region will also experience cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine. Morning thunderstorms and light rain are predicted in Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, with heavier rainfall and thunderstorms expected across most parts of the region later in the day. NiMet also warned of possible flash floods in Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States.

On Tuesday, similar conditions will persist across the country, with thunderstorms forecast in parts of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, and Kogi. The southern states, including Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Lagos, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, and Cross River, will also experience thunderstorms and moderate rainfall.

By Wednesday, cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine are expected in the north, alongside thunderstorms and light rain in Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba. The central states, including Plateau and Nasarawa, will see thunderstorms in the morning, with further rain expected later in the day. In the south, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River will have light rain in the morning, followed by widespread thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

NiMet urged states with a risk of flash flooding to activate emergency response measures. The public was also advised to exercise caution while driving in the rain, secure loose objects to avoid damage, and disconnect appliances from power sources during thunderstorms. Farmers were cautioned against applying fertilizers or pesticides just before rainfall.

The agency further advised airline operators to obtain up-to-date, airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for safe flight planning.