Expect Nationwide Thunderstorms, Midweek Flash Floods - NiMet Warns

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Monday to Wednesday, cautioning the public about the risk of flash floods in several states.

In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms with moderate rainfall across parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States.

‎“Later in the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region.

There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states during the forecast period,” the agency said.

In the North Central region, NiMet anticipated light morning showers in states such as Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa. 

The forecast suggested the rains woukd persist into the afternoon and evening, affecting areas like Kwara, Plateau, and surrounding states.

‎“In the afternoon or evening hours, light rains are anticipated over parts of Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory,” it said.

Over the southern region, cloudy skies are expected to dominate, with light rain forecast for Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa States in the morning.

‎“According to it, light rains are expected over parts of Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States later in the day.”

NiMet warned of a high likelihood of flooding in parts of Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta States as rains continue into the new week.

On Tuesday, the agency forecast further thunderstorms and moderate rains over Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara States in the North.

‎“Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region.”

‎“For the central region, there are prospects of intermittent light rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Benue States during the forecast period.

Cloudy skies are expected over southern region with prospects of intermittent light rains on Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States during forecast period.” 

A flash flood warning was issued for parts of Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

Forecasts for Wednesday indicated that thunderstorms with moderate rainfall would continue in northern areas like Taraba and Kaduna during the morning, extending into the afternoon and evening across Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Jigawa.

‎“NiMet anticipated isolated thunderstorms and moderate rains over parts of Borno, Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano and Adamawa States later in the day.”

‎“In the afternoon or evening hours, intermittent light rains are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Benue States.”

The South is also not expected to be spared, as NiMet projects persistent rainfall activity throughout the day.

‎“For the southern region, cloudy skies with intermittent light rains are expected over parts of Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River States in the morning hours.” 

‎“According to it, light rains are expected over the entire region later in the day with a high possibility of flood over parts of Bayelsa State during the forecast period.”

In light of the forecast, NiMet issued safety advisories urging the public to take precautionary measures against weather-related hazards such as flash floods, reduced visibility, and slippery roads.

‎“Ensure warm clothing for the vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions.

Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets, stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

Airline operators to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.” 

The agency also encouraged Nigerians to stay updated through its official website and follow safety protocols during adverse weather conditions.