NiMet warns of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, possible flash floods

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather alert, forecasting widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across the country between Sunday and Tuesday, with a warning about the risk of flash floods in some states.

In its weather outlook released in Abuja on Saturday, NiMet predicted morning showers on Sunday over parts of Jigawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa. These will likely be followed by thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later in the day.

“There is a high possibility of flood occurring in parts of Kebbi, Gombe, and Bauchi states during the forecast period,” the agency stated.

For the central region, NiMet expects light, intermittent rain over Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, and Niger during the morning, with showers spreading later to Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, and Kogi.

“There is high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Niger, Plateau, Kogi, and Benue states during the forecast period,” the outlook added.

In the South, cloudy skies will dominate the early hours, while moderate rainfall is anticipated by afternoon in Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Osun, Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. NiMet warned of potential flooding in parts of Osun.

The agency also predicted that Monday will bring thunderstorms and moderate rain to Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba, Yola, Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna. Lighter rain is expected in the central states, while the South will again experience cloudy mornings and scattered showers by afternoon.

On Tuesday, thunderstorms with moderate rain are anticipated in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna in the morning, spreading later to Kebbi and other Northwest states. The central region will see cloudy mornings with afternoon rainfall in Abuja, Niger, and Plateau, while light showers will reach Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Cross River, and Lagos.

NiMet urged residents to take safety measures.“Ensure warm clothing for the vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures.Ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets, and stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” it advised.

The agency also cautioned motorists against driving during heavy downpours, advised states at risk of flash floods to activate emergency plans, and warned farmers to avoid applying fertiliser or pesticides immediately before rain to prevent nutrient loss.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet.You can visit our website ‎www.nimet.gov.ng for further information,” the statement added.