The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted three days of rainfall and thunderstorms across most parts of the country beginning Monday, September 22.
According to NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday, isolated thunderstorms and light rains are expected in parts of the northern states, including Adamawa and Taraba, during Monday morning, with similar conditions later in the day across Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Southern Borno, and Taraba.
Central Region
The central region, including Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Plateau, Kogi, and Benue, will experience cloudy conditions with sunshine intervals. NiMet said thunderstorms with light to moderate rainfall are expected from afternoon into evening hours.
Southern Region
For the southern states, a cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is anticipated in the morning, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later in the day. Areas likely to be affected include Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo.
NiMet specifically warned of possible flash floods in Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers.
Tuesday and Wednesday Outlook
On Tuesday and Wednesday, cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are forecast across the north, with thunderstorms expected over Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Adamawa, Zamfara, and Taraba.
The central region will also see thunderstorms over Plateau and Nasarawa in the morning, spreading to other states by evening.
The southern region, including Enugu, Anambra, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, will face widespread thunderstorms and moderate rains.
Safety Advisory
NiMet advised residents in flood-prone states to activate emergency response measures and urged the public to:
- Drive cautiously under rainfall.
- Avoid applying fertilizers or pesticides immediately before rains to reduce nutrient loss.
- Secure loose outdoor objects to prevent collisions.
- Disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms.
- Stay away from tall trees to avoid falling branches.
Airline operators were also instructed to obtain airport-specific forecasts for flight planning.
NiMet encouraged Nigerians to stay updated by monitoring official forecasts through its website and channels.