NiMet Weather Alert Warns of Flood, Rain, & Thunderstorms

The NiMet weather alert warns of thunderstorms and rainfall across several parts of Nigeria from Wednesday to Friday, September 9–11.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) issued the forecast from Abuja on Tuesday, saying different parts of the country should expect varying levels of rainfall during the three-day period.

On Wednesday, parts of the North may experience morning thunderstorms and light rain, particularly in Taraba and Kebbi states. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected across parts of Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna.

In the North-Central region, NiMet expects morning thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Nasarawa, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory. Most parts of the region could then experience thunderstorms and moderate rainfall during the afternoon or evening.

The southern region is also expected to remain cloudy, with chances of morning rain over parts of Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom. Moderate rain could affect most areas later in the day.

For Thursday, NiMet forecasts patches of cloud across the North. Morning thunderstorms and light rain may occur in parts of Jigawa, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Kaduna.

“Later during the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba states.

“For the North-Central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected, with prospects of morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger and Benue states.

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

The agency also expects light morning rain across parts of Ondo, Ogun, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. Most parts of the South could experience further rainfall later in the day.

NiMet has highlighted Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River as areas facing a high possibility of flooding during the forecast period.

On Friday, partly cloudy conditions are expected across the North, with Taraba and Adamawa likely to experience morning thunderstorms and moderate rain.

Afternoon or evening thunderstorms with moderate rainfall could then affect Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba.

In the central region, NiMet forecasts sunny skies with patches of cloud. Parts of the FCT, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger may see morning thunderstorms and light rain, followed by moderate rainfall across most parts later in the day.

The southern region is expected to remain cloudy, with moderate morning rain possible in parts of Ondo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. Most parts of the region could receive moderate rain later.

The NiMet weather alert also warns that strong winds may occur before thunderstorms. The agency advised residents to secure loose objects that could be blown away or cause damage.

People should avoid driving during heavy rainfall and disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets. NiMet also advised residents to stay away from tall trees because falling branches and damaged trees could cause injuries.

States at risk of flash floods should activate emergency response systems immediately, the agency said.

Airline operators should obtain airport-specific weather reports and flight documentation from NiMet to support operational planning. Residents should also continue monitoring official weather updates.

With thunderstorms, heavy rain and possible flooding expected in several areas, the NiMet weather alert highlights the need for residents to remain cautious throughout the forecast period.

Are residents and authorities in flood-prone areas adequately prepared for the expected rainfall?