NiMet Alerts on Possible Flash Floods as Rain Sweeps Across Nigeria.

By Ohworisi Elohor.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather advisory warning of widespread rainfall and potential flash flooding across several parts of the country between Monday and Wednesday.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the agency stated that thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall were expected to affect many states, particularly in the northern and central regions, with possible flooding in some vulnerable areas.

According to NiMet, states such as Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano were likely to experience flash floods due to anticipated heavy rains. Thunderstorms and moderate showers were also projected to occur in parts of Zamfara, Yobe, and Kebbi.

The forecast revealed that while some northern states would experience sunny conditions with patches of clouds in the mornings, thunderstorms were predicted to return later in the afternoon and evening.

In the central region, cloudy skies were predicted in the mornings, with light to moderate rainfall expected across states including Niger, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Kogi. These areas were also forecast to witness more intense rainfall as the day progressed, especially in Plateau and surrounding states where the risk of flooding remained high.

The southern region was also forecast to witness a mix of cloudy skies and rainfall. Light to moderate showers were expected in the mornings across parts of Ondo, Imo, Abia, and Rivers, while heavier downpours were likely in the afternoons and evenings over areas such as Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Bayelsa.

By Tuesday, clearer skies with cloud patches were expected over much of the North, although thunderstorms and rain were still anticipated in parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano. Central states like Niger, FCT, Kwara, and Kogi were also forecast to experience morning and afternoon rainfall.

NiMet’s outlook for Wednesday projected similar patterns, with thunderstorms and moderate rain across northern states such as Kebbi, Taraba, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Jigawa. In the central zone, areas like Plateau, FCT, and Nasarawa were expected to receive both morning and evening rainfall. Southern states, particularly Ebonyi, Enugu, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, were forecast to experience significant rainfall throughout the day.

The agency urged communities in flood-prone areas to activate emergency response systems, warning that poor drainage and blocked waterways could worsen flood conditions.

Citizens were advised to exercise caution during heavy rainfall, avoid driving through waterlogged roads, secure loose items that could be displaced by wind, and remain indoors during thunderstorms. NiMet also cautioned against sheltering under trees during storms and recommended unplugging electrical appliances during such weather events.

Airline operators were advised to obtain location-specific weather updates to ensure safe flight planning.

NiMet emphasized the importance of staying informed through regular weather bulletins to prevent avoidable risks and ensure public safety during the period under review.