Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Predicts Three-Day Heavy Rainfall, Thunderstorms Nationwide

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of heavy rains and thunderstorms across several parts of the country from Sunday through Tuesday, with a high risk of flooding in some states.

Naija News reports that the agency, in its weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja, advised residents, farmers, motorists, and airline operators to take precautionary measures during the forecast period.

NiMet projected moderate rains on Sunday morning in Jigawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Borno and Adamawa States.

Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and parts of the North-East.

“There is a high possibility of flood occurring in parts of Kebbi, Gombe, and Bauchi States during the forecast period,” NiMet warned.

For the central region, light intermittent rains are expected in the morning across Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory and Niger. By afternoon, intermittent rains are forecast in Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara and Kogi States, with flood risks flagged in Niger, Plateau, Kogi and Benue.

In the South, cloudy skies are likely in the morning, followed by moderate rains in Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Osun, Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. NiMet predicted flood risks for parts of Osun.
Monday – Thunderstorms in the North-East, Rain in the South

NiMet predicts that on Monday, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba, Yola, Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kaduna.

Light rains are projected over the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue and Niger in the morning, with afternoon showers in Niger, Plateau, Kwara and Benue.

The South will see cloudy skies in the morning and light rains later in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa and Lagos.
Tuesday – NiMet Predicts Heavy Showers in North-West, North-East

NiMet anticipated thunderstorms and moderate rains on Tuesday morning in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna.

“Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and Adamawa during the afternoon/evening hours,” the agency said.

The central region will have cloudy skies in the morning, with moderate rains expected later in the FCT, Niger and Plateau.

The South will remain cloudy in the morning with light rains in Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Cross River and Lagos later in the day.

NiMet urged the public not to drive under heavy rain and advised states at risk of flooding to activate emergency response plans.

The agency also cautioned farmers to avoid applying fertiliser or pesticides before rainfall to prevent nutrient leaching.

Other safety tips included:

Ensure warm clothing for vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures.
Fasten loose objects to prevent collisions.
Disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms.
Stay away from tall trees to avoid falling branches.
Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through regular weather updates from NiMet. You can visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng for further information,” the statement added.