The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning of widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the country starting Monday, raising concerns about flash flooding in several states.
The three-day weather outlook, released Sunday in Abuja, marks a critical point in Nigeria’s rainy season, with heightened risks of flooding and travel disruptions.
According to the forecast, thunderstorms are expected Monday morning in the northern states of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina, with intensified weather conditions likely later in the day.
“There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states during the forecast period,” NiMet stated.
In central Nigeria, early morning light rain is forecast across Benue, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), followed by showers extending into Plateau, Kwara, and surrounding areas by afternoon and evening.
Southern states will begin the day with cloudy skies and light rain in Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa. NiMet predicts more intense rainfall later in the day, with flood alerts issued for Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta.
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The pattern is expected to persist into Tuesday, with morning thunderstorms forecast in Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara, followed by moderate rainfall throughout the northern region.
Rainfall will continue across the central zone, including Abuja, while southern states such as Lagos, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom may experience sustained showers and possible flooding.
By Wednesday, thunderstorms are projected in the morning over Taraba and Kaduna, with moderate rainfall across Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano later in the day. Light morning showers are expected in the central region, becoming heavier in the afternoon. Intermittent rain is predicted across the south, especially in Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River, with Bayelsa identified as facing the highest flood risk mid-week.
NiMet urged residents to take preventive measures, including avoiding driving during heavy rainfall, activating emergency response plans in flood-prone areas, and securing loose items.
The agency also advised the public to wear warm clothing during cooler nights and disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms. Airline operators were urged to obtain airport-specific weather briefings for flight planning.
NiMet encouraged Nigerians to follow weather updates on its official website to stay informed and prepared.
 has issued a warning of widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the country starting Monday, raising concerns about flash flooding in several states.){kind=link}