LIVE UPDATES
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted thunderstorms and rainfall for the period from Monday to Wednesday across the nation.
In its weather outlook issued on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms in the northern region on Monday, with moderate rainfall expected in Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States.
Thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain are also anticipated later in the day in Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Adamawa States. The agency noted a significant possibility of flooding in Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto States during this forecast.
For the Central Region, light rain is expected in parts of Niger State in the morning. In the afternoon and evening, thunderstorms with light rain are likely in the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States. A high potential for flooding is also predicted in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Niger States during this period.
NiMet anticipates cloudy weather in the southern region, with intermittent light rain affecting Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States in the morning. Later in the day, moderate rain is expected in Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States, with a high chance of flooding in Delta, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States throughout the forecast.
On Tuesday, morning thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, and Kaduna States.
Thunderstorms and moderate rain are also forecasted for Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Gombe States in the afternoon and evening. Light rain is expected in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi States in the early hours of the day, with thunderstorms and light rain anticipated later on.
For Wednesday, morning thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected in Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, while the entire region should brace for thunderstorms and moderate rain in the afternoon and evening. Light rain is also predicted for Kwara, Niger, Kogi, and Plateau States in the morning, with thunderstorms and light rain likely over the entire region later. Light rain is forecasted for Enugu, Ebonyi, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, and Bayelsa States in the morning, with ongoing rain expected throughout the afternoon or evening.
NiMet advises against driving in heavy rain and urges states with a risk of flash floods to activate their emergency response systems promptly. Farmers are cautioned to avoid using fertilizers and pesticides just before the rain to prevent nutrient leaching. Vulnerable individuals should be provided warm clothing due to low nighttime temperatures.
It is also recommended to secure loose objects to prevent accidents and to unplug electrical appliances. Additionally, individuals should keep a safe distance from tall trees to avoid falling branches and trees. Airline operators are encouraged to obtain weather reports specific to airports from NiMet for efficient planning.
