NiMet issues 3-day heavy rain, thunderstorm, flood alert across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a three-day weather alert warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and heightened flood risks across several states from Monday to Wednesday.

The forecast, released on Sunday in Abuja and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), covers the northern, central, and southern regions of the country, urging residents, motorists, farmers, and relevant authorities to take urgent precautions.

On Monday morning, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States, followed by moderate rains later in the day across Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Adamawa States. NiMet warned that Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto face a high risk of flooding during the period.

Light rain is anticipated over parts of Niger State in the morning, with thunderstorms and light rains likely later in the day in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States. Plateau, Nasarawa, and Niger States are also at high flood risk.

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Monday morning will bring cloudy skies and intermittent light rains over parts of Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States. By afternoon and evening, moderate rains are forecast for Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States. Flood-prone areas include Delta, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

Thunderstorms and moderate rains are expected across many northern states, light to moderate rains in the central states, and widespread rainfall in the south. Continuous downpours in some areas may lead to flash floods.

NiMet advised residents in vulnerable communities to activate emergency response plans, avoid flood-prone routes, and motorists to refrain from driving during heavy downpours.

Farmers were cautioned against applying fertilisers or pesticides immediately before rain to prevent nutrient loss.

Airline operators were also urged to obtain airport-specific weather information for safe flight planning. NiMet encouraged Nigerians to regularly check updates on its official website.