The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast three days of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across several parts of the country from Monday to Wednesday, cautioning residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.
In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said northern states such as Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina would experience thunderstorms with moderate rainfall on Monday morning, while Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba would record rain later in the day.
The agency warned that flash floods could occur in Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano during the period.
For the North-Central region, including Niger, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, and Nasarawa, NiMet predicted cloudy skies in the morning, followed by light to moderate rainfall. It added that parts of Plateau State face a high risk of flooding.
In the Southern region, light to moderate rainfall is expected in Ondo, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
According to the forecast, Tuesday will bring a mix of sunshine and clouds in the North, with thunderstorms and rain expected in Adamawa, Taraba, and nearby states. The Central and Southern regions will continue to see moderate rainfall.
By Wednesday, NiMet projected a return of sunshine and morning thunderstorms across the North, while the Central states will have cloudy skies and moderate rainfall. Southern states such as Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River will experience morning showers followed by heavier rain later in the day.
NiMet urged Nigerians to take precautions by avoiding driving during heavy rains, securing outdoor items, and preparing for strong winds and low nighttime temperatures, particularly in flood-prone communities.
