Thunderstorms Loom As NiMet Warns Of Heavy Rainfall Across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a three-day weather outlook, forecasting thunderstorms and rainfall across different parts of the country from Monday through Wednesday.

According to Ireporter Online, NiMet stated in its Sunday bulletin released in Abuja that isolated thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected on Monday morning in Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States, with a likelihood of flash floods in Adamawa, Taraba, and Gombe.

For the North-Central region, including Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory, a mix of cloudy skies and sunshine is anticipated in the morning, followed by thunderstorms later in the day. In the South, cloudy conditions are expected initially, with moderate rains over Ekiti, Ondo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, becoming more widespread by evening.

On Tuesday, NiMet projected cloudy skies with sunshine intervals in the North, with isolated thunderstorms and moderate rains in Borno, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, and Adamawa during the morning. Additional thunderstorms are likely in Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Taraba in the afternoon and evening. The central states, including Kogi, Niger, Kwara, the FCT, and Nasarawa, are expected to experience moderate rains in the morning with thunderstorms later. In the South, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Delta are forecast to witness morning showers, with light to moderate rainfall expected across most areas later in the day.

By Wednesday, the northern region will experience cloudy skies with sunshine intervals, and light rains in Sokoto and Zamfara in the morning, while Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto are projected to record thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. The central region, including the FCT, Kogi, Kwara, and Niger, will have cloudy skies with light morning rains, while thunderstorms and moderate rainfall will develop in Benue, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger later in the day. In the South, cloudy skies will dominate the morning, with moderate rainfall expected as the day progresses.

NiMet advised motorists to avoid driving during heavy downpours and cautioned residents in flood-prone areas about the risk of flash floods. Farmers were warned against applying fertilisers or pesticides before rainfall to prevent wash-off, while residents were urged to secure loose objects, disconnect electrical appliances, and avoid staying under trees during thunderstorms. Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific weather updates for safer planning.

The agency further encouraged Nigerians to stay updated through its official website, www.nimet.gov.ng, for timely weather advisories.