The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that much of the country will experience thunderstorms and heavy rainfall over a three-day period beginning Monday. In a statement released on Sunday, the agency said residents should prepare for wet and stormy conditions as clouds build up across the north, central and southern regions of Nigeria.
According to NiMet, northern states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba will see early morning thunderstorms followed by moderate rains. These conditions are expected to continue later in the day, with isolated storms likely to persist in parts of Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna and Taraba. Central states including Niger, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue and Nasarawa will start the day with cloudy skies, but residents should expect sunshine to give way to rain and thunderstorms as the day progresses.
In the south, the forecast shows a pattern of cloudy mornings with light rains in states such as Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Cross River, shifting into heavier isolated thunderstorms by afternoon and evening. NiMet has specifically highlighted Benue, Taraba and Cross River as areas that could experience flooding because of the volume of rain expected.
The agency is urging residents to take precautions during the three-day period. People living in flood-prone areas are advised to move valuables to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through flooded streets. Drivers are encouraged to slow down during heavy downpours to reduce the risk of accidents, and households are advised to unplug electrical appliances during storms to prevent power surges.
NiMet says it will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as conditions evolve. It also reminded the public that timely warnings are essential for reducing losses from extreme weather events and asked citizens to follow updates through official channels.
This latest forecast shows the importance of being prepared for Nigeria’s rainy season, which often brings sudden and intense storms. For residents across the country, especially those in vulnerable communities, staying alert over the next few days could make a significant difference in staying safe.