The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across the country between Monday and Wednesday, with warnings of possible flooding in some states.
In its three-day weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are likely over parts of the northern region, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States on Monday. Isolated thunderstorms are expected later in the day in Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Taraba.
For the central region, the agency projected cloudy conditions with intervals of sunshine. Morning thunderstorms and light rains are expected in Niger, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa States, followed by isolated thunderstorms in Niger, Kwara, and the FCT later in the day.
The southern region is expected to begin the week with cloudy skies and light rains over Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and Cross River States, before experiencing moderate thunderstorms later in the day.
On subsequent days, NiMet forecasted:
North: Sunny skies with patches of clouds, light rains in Taraba, Adamawa, and Kaduna in the mornings, followed by isolated thunderstorms in Zamfara, Gombe, Adamawa, and Bauchi.
Central: Morning thunderstorms and showers in Benue, Niger, and Kwara, with moderate rainfall spreading to Kwara, Kogi, FCT, and Nasarawa in the afternoon and evening.
South: Cloudy skies with morning showers in Edo, Ondo, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, later giving way to moderate thunderstorms across the entire region.
NiMet specifically cautioned residents of Benue, Taraba, and Cross River States about possible flooding and urged them to activate emergency response measures.
NAN reports that the agency issued safety guidelines, including:
Avoid driving in heavy rain or flood-prone areas.
Refrain from applying fertilisers or pesticides before rainfall.
Secure loose outdoor objects and disconnect electrical appliances during storms.
Stay away from tall trees to avoid injury from falling branches.
NiMet also advised airline operators to always obtain airport-specific forecasts for effective flight planning and encouraged the public to rely on its official website and verified updates for timely information.