NiMet predicts three days of rain, thunderstorms nationwide

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across the country from Monday to Wednesday, warning of possible flash floods in some areas.

In its three-day weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said northern states including Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina would experience morning thunderstorms with moderate rainfall on Monday, while Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba would see rains later in the day.

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

For the North-Central region, NiMet projected morning cloudiness followed by light to moderate rainfall over Niger, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, and Nasarawa, with a high risk of flooding in parts of Plateau State.

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

On Tuesday, NiMet said the North would see sunny skies with patches of cloud, though thunderstorms and rain would persist in parts of Adamawa, Taraba, and neighbouring states.

The Central and Southern regions will continue to experience moderate rainfall.

By Wednesday, northern states are expected to have sunshine mixed with morning thunderstorms, while the Central region will see cloudy skies and moderate rainfall. Southern states — including Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River — will experience morning showers and heavier rain later in the day.

NiMet advised residents, especially those in flood-prone areas, to stay alert, avoid driving during heavy downpours, secure loose items, and take precautions against strong winds and cooler nighttime temperatures.