NiMet Issues Three-Day Weather Warning To Nigerians

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a nationwide weather advisory, alerting the public to expect widespread thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall from Monday through Wednesday. The agency also cautioned that some states may experience flash floods during this period, urging residents and authorities to take necessary precautions.

In a weather outlook published on Sunday, July 27, 2025, NiMet provided detailed forecasts for all regions of the country. The agency highlighted the potential impact of the rain and thunderstorm activity, especially in flood-prone areas, and advised that emergency systems should be on standby.

According to the forecast, Monday morning will bring thunderstorms with moderate rainfall to several northern states including Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina. Meanwhile, other parts of the northern region may experience sunny skies with intermittent cloud cover.

As the day progresses, the storm activity is expected to intensify. NiMet forecasts that the afternoon and evening hours could bring additional thunderstorms and rainfall to states such as Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba. Areas including Bauchi, Kaduna, Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano have been specifically marked as vulnerable to flash flooding due to the volume of anticipated rainfall.

Residents in these areas are encouraged to stay alert and avoid low-lying or poorly drained locations, which are particularly susceptible to sudden flooding.

In the central part of the country, Monday morning will likely begin with cloudy conditions. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in states like Niger, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, and Nasarawa. By afternoon and evening, heavier rain is forecast to spread more widely across these areas, particularly in Kogi, Plateau, and Benue.

Plateau State is singled out as being at high risk for flash flooding. The terrain in this region, coupled with the expected volume of rainfall, means even a few hours of moderate rain could lead to dangerous water accumulation in certain parts.

In the southern region, the morning hours are expected to begin with overcast skies. Later in the day, light to moderate rainfall will likely develop in states including Ondo, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.

Tuesday’s forecast continues this trend, with the northern region beginning the day under mostly sunny conditions and scattered clouds. However, morning thunderstorms are anticipated in areas such as Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano. Later in the day, more extensive rainfall is expected to hit Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and other surrounding areas.

In the central region, states including Niger, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa will again experience rain throughout the day. The FCT and Plateau are also likely to be affected by moderate rainfall in the afternoon and evening.

Down south, residents should prepare for continued rainfall. Morning showers are forecast in Akwa Ibom and Cross River, while later in the day, moderate rain is expected to sweep across Abia, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, and other coastal states.

Wednesday is expected to bring a similar pattern of weather. NiMet predicts that northern states like Kaduna, Kebbi, Taraba, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, and Jigawa will see morning thunderstorms. In the afternoon and evening, rain will return to many of these states along with Borno, Gombe, and Bauchi.

In the central belt, areas such as Plateau, Niger, and the FCT will begin the day with thunderstorms, while later on, moderate rainfall is expected in Benue and Nasarawa.

The southern region will again see morning showers, particularly in Ebonyi, Rivers, and Cross River. As the day progresses, moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to fall across a wide stretch of southern states, including Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom.

NiMet emphasized that some areas, particularly in the northern and central regions, could face flash flooding due to saturated soils and inadequate drainage systems. States flagged for high flood risk include Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Katsina.

To reduce the risk of harm, NiMet issued several important safety tips. Motorists are advised to avoid driving during periods of intense rainfall, as visibility may be poor and roads could quickly become impassable. Pedestrians should avoid taking shelter under trees or near tall objects during thunderstorms, as these can attract lightning strikes.

People living in flood-prone areas are encouraged to prepare early by clearing drainage systems and securing important belongings. Strong winds often accompany thunderstorms, so securing loose outdoor objects like satellite dishes, billboards, and rooftop water tanks is also recommended.

NiMet added that it is essential to disconnect electrical appliances during storms to prevent power surges or damage caused by lightning. Vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and young children, are urged to stay warm during the colder night hours that typically follow heavy rainstorms.

NiMet also offered guidance to airline operators and travelers. Given the potential for weather disruptions, pilots and airlines are advised to obtain detailed, airport-specific weather reports from NiMet offices prior to each flight. Doing so will allow for safer planning and avoid unnecessary delays or diversions caused by changing weather patterns.

Nigerians are encouraged to stay updated by regularly checking weather alerts on NiMet’s official website, www.nimet.gov.ng. Timely information is key to avoiding weather-related disruptions and safeguarding lives and property.

As climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, NiMet’s accurate and timely forecasts remain a vital resource for Nigerians across all sectors—whether you’re a commuter, farmer, airline operator, or business owner. This latest warning highlights the importance of being prepared and responsive to changing weather conditions in order to stay safe.