NiMet Issues 3-Day Weather Alert: Heavy Rains, Thunderstorms, Flash Floods Loom Nationwide

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has sounded a nationwide weather alert, warning of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and possible flash floods from Monday through Wednesday, urging Nigerians to stay vigilant.

In its latest forecast released Sunday in Abuja, NiMet predicted isolated thunderstorms with light rains in parts of Adamawa and Taraba during the early hours of Monday, extending later to Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Southern Borno, and other northern states.

For the Central region, including the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, and Benue, cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are expected in the morning, followed by thunderstorms and moderate rainfall in the afternoon and evening.

The Southern states will not be spared. NiMet forecast thunderstorms with moderate rains across Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Anambra, and Enugu, warning of possible flash floods in low-lying areas of Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers.

By Tuesday and Wednesday, the weather agency maintained that much of the country will experience a mix of cloudy conditions, sunshine intervals, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms, particularly in the North-East and South-South regions.

⚠️ NiMet Issues Safety Advisory

NiMet urged states likely to experience flooding to activate emergency response plans without delay. It also issued specific safety measures:

Motorists should drive carefully during rainstorms.

Farmers are advised not to apply fertilizers or pesticides just before rainfall to avoid nutrient leaching.

Citizens should fasten loose objects, disconnect electrical appliances, and avoid sheltering under tall trees.

Airline operators were advised to seek airport-specific weather updates for safe flight operations.

The agency further encouraged Nigerians to stay updated via its official website, http://www.nimet.gov.ng.

As the heavy rains approach, residents across the country are urged to stay alert, take precautions, and prioritize safety, especially in flood-prone communities.