The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a comprehensive three-day weather forecast warning of widespread thunderstorms and intense rainfall across the country, beginning Monday, August 4.
The advisory raises fresh concerns about flash floods in several states as Nigeria enters a critical phase of its rainy season.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet predicted that northern, central, and southern regions would experience varying degrees of rainfall, with some areas facing a high risk of flooding. The agency urged immediate precautions to safeguard lives and property.
The forecast begins with expected morning thunderstorms on Monday across Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina. These weather conditions are expected to escalate in the afternoon and evening, potentially disrupting transportation and posing serious flood threats.
“There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states during the forecast period,” NiMet warned.
On Tuesday, thunderstorms will persist over northern states including Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara. NiMet predicts that by late Tuesday, moderate to heavy rainfall will spread across much of the northern belt.
By Wednesday, the storms will likely extend to Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano, with Taraba and Kaduna expected to see morning thunderstorms. The combination of saturated soil and continued rainfall heightens the potential for flash floods and infrastructural damage.
In central states, light rains are projected for Monday morning in Benue, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Afternoon and evening showers will likely spread into Plateau, Kwara, and surrounding areas.
This pattern of intermittent rain will continue through Tuesday and Wednesday. Although less intense than in the north, NiMet cautioned that prolonged wet conditions could still overwhelm urban drainage systems and trigger localized flooding.
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In the southern region, cloudy skies and light rains are forecast on Monday morning in Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa. By late Monday, rains are expected to intensify across the region.
Flood alerts were specifically issued for Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta states. The rainfall is projected to persist through mid-week, with NiMet highlighting Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom as areas with high vulnerability to flooding.
By Wednesday, Bayelsa is forecast to face the highest flood risk due to cumulative rainfall and already swollen waterways.
NiMet has called on state governments and residents in vulnerable areas to activate emergency response plans.
“Avoid driving under heavy rain, and states with the possibility of flash floods should activate their emergency response systems immediately,” the agency advised.
Airline operators were strongly encouraged to obtain detailed airport-specific weather briefings to aid flight planning and ensure passenger safety.
NiMet concluded by advising Nigerians to stay informed through its official platforms and to adhere to public safety advisories issued by relevant authorities.