NiMet Issues Nationwide Weather Alert

Starting Monday, Nigerians across many parts of the country should prepare for a fresh wave of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. This is the latest alert from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which issued a three-day weather forecast on Sunday, warning of heightened flood risks in both urban and rural communities.

As the nation enters a crucial period in its rainy season, the agency is urging the public and relevant authorities to take the forecast seriously and prepare for the possible impacts. The forecast, which spans Monday through Wednesday, highlights multiple regions that are likely to experience intense weather conditions, including flash flooding.

NiMet’s Monday forecast shows that several northern states will be hit by morning thunderstorms. These include Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina. According to the agency, the intensity of the storms will likely increase as the day progresses, creating higher risks for local flooding, especially in communities with poor drainage systems.

The central region isn’t exempt either. Areas like Benue, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) are expected to see light morning rains. However, these may evolve into more significant showers by afternoon and evening, potentially affecting states like Plateau and Kwara.

For residents of Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi, the risk is even more pronounced. NiMet warned that these areas are particularly vulnerable to flooding during this period and advised that communities living near rivers or in flood-prone zones should be on high alert.

Further south, the weather outlook shows mostly cloudy conditions in the early hours of Monday. States like Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa may see light rain in the morning. However, as the day unfolds, the rain is expected to become more widespread, and certain states such as Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta are flagged as flood-prone under the current forecast.

Tuesday is not expected to bring much relief. NiMet’s projection suggests that northern states such as Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara will continue to experience thunderstorms in the morning. Later in the day, the rainfall is likely to spread and intensify across the northern belt.

The central states, including Abuja, are forecast to see more scattered showers throughout the day, with no major dry spells in sight. For those living in the south — particularly in Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom — persistent rainfall is expected. These areas have been advised to prepare for potential disruptions and possible flash floods.

By midweek, the weather pattern remains unsettled. Thunderstorms are forecast to return to Taraba and Kaduna during the morning hours on Wednesday, and by afternoon, areas such as Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano could see moderate rainfall accompanied by isolated storms.

Central Nigeria will once again experience light showers in the morning, transitioning to heavier rain later in the day. In the southern part of the country, intermittent rain is expected across Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River. NiMet identified Bayelsa as facing one of the highest flood risks this week, based on projected rainfall volumes and the region’s geography.

NiMet’s alert comes with a strong appeal to residents, especially in high-risk areas, to take necessary precautions. The agency advises against driving during heavy rain and recommends that households secure outdoor items that could be blown away by strong winds.

People are also encouraged to dress warmly during the cooler nights that often follow intense rains and to unplug electrical appliances during storms to prevent damage from lightning strikes or power surges.

Emergency management agencies have been urged to activate their response systems in anticipation of possible floods. NiMet’s message was clear: timely preparation can help reduce the impact of severe weather.

For travelers and airlines, NiMet issued an additional advisory. Airline operators are encouraged to request weather briefings specific to their flight routes and destination airports. Adverse weather conditions, especially thunderstorms, could lead to delays or affect flight safety if not properly managed.

Stay Informed

NiMet emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date with weather developments. Citizens are encouraged to regularly check the agency’s website and social media platforms for the latest updates and advisories.

As the country faces another stretch of potentially dangerous weather, the agency’s forecast serves as both a warning and a guide for how to stay safe. Whether you’re commuting to work, living near floodplains, or planning air travel, preparation will be key over the next three days.