The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted three days of thunderstorms across the country, with states including Sokoto, Kebbi, and Borno set to experience significant weather activity. In a weather outlook released on Sunday, NiMet indicated that thunderstorms are likely to impact Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto later today.
The agency also noted that during the morning hours, thunderstorms are expected in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states. As the day progresses into the afternoon and evening, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated in parts of Kwara, the FCT, Niger, Benue, and Kogi states.
Rainfall is forecasted for the southwestern regions, particularly affecting Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ogun, with conditions extending to the coastal areas of Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states during the morning hours. Later in the day, additional thunderstorms are expected in Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, Abia, Osun, Imo, Ekiti, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, and Lagos.
NiMet has urged residents, particularly in flood-prone areas, to exercise caution as heavy downpours could lead to urban flooding in major cities. The agency emphasized the importance of adhering to safety advisories from relevant authorities and advised public and airline operators to consult NiMet for updated weather reports to aid in operational planning.
Additionally, the Federal Government has appealed to citizens to clear canals, drainage systems, and gutters to help mitigate flooding risks. A report from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has indicated a steady increase in water levels at critical stations along the River Benue, approaching flood levels. Lauretta Samuel, Head of Media and Publicity for NIHSA, stressed the need for proactive measures in the twelve states identified as flood-prone.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking updates from NiMet’s website at www.nimet.gov.ng as the weather situation develops.
