The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of widespread thunderstorms and rainfall expected to affect parts of the country for three days, from Monday, August 11, to Wednesday, August 13.
In its weather outlook released on Sunday, NiMet predicted that northern states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba, will experience early morning thunderstorms on Monday, followed by moderate afternoon rains in areas such as Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Adamawa. The agency also raised an alert over high flood risks in Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto.
For the central region, light morning rainfall is expected in parts of Niger State, while thunderstorms are forecast later in the day in the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, and Kogi. Plateau, Nasarawa, and Niger are also listed among states with a high likelihood of flooding.
In the southern part of the country, NiMet projects cloudy skies with light rain in the morning over Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom. By afternoon and evening, moderate rains are expected across Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, with a flood warning issued for Delta, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
NiMet urged residents, especially those in flood-prone areas, to take precautionary measures and activate emergency response plans. Motorists were advised to avoid driving during heavy downpours, while farmers were cautioned against applying fertilizers or pesticides before rainfall to prevent runoff.
The agency also advised the public to secure loose objects, disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees, and wear warm clothing at night. Airline operators were urged to obtain up-to-date weather reports for safe operations.
NiMet stressed the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness to minimise the impact of the predicted weather conditions as the rainy season progresses.
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