By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
WIDESPREAD RAINFALL and thunderstorms are forecast to persist across Nigeria through Wednesday, with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nimet) warning of possible flash floods in several regions and advising heightened vigilance from residents and emergency responders.
The agency’s weather outlook, released Sunday in Abuja, anticipates thundery conditions and moderate rainfall over Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Katsina States on Monday morning.
The entire northern region is expected to experience thunderstorms and sustained rainfall by afternoon or evening. NiMet has specifically identified Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi as high-risk areas for flooding during this period.
Light rains are forecast over Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa States in the central region on Monday morning, with a continuation of showers later in the day across Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and the FCT.
Cloudy skies and light rain are expected across the southern region in the morning hours of Monday, affecting Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa States.
Later in the day, showers are projected to extend across Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. Flash flooding is likely over Oyo, Ogun, Edo and Delta.
On Tuesday, thunderstorm activity with moderate rainfall is expected to intensify over Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna and Zamfara. The entire northern belt will remain wet through the evening hours.
Light rain will affect parts of the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Benue throughout Tuesday, while the south continues under cloudy skies with intermittent rainfall forecast across Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
NiMet has highlighted the risk of flash flooding in Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
Moderate rainfall is expected Wednesday morning over parts of Taraba and Kaduna, followed by isolated thunderstorms and sustained precipitation across Borno, Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano and Adamawa.
Central states including Nasarawa, Niger and the FCT are likely to see morning rains, while intermittent showers will persist into the evening across the region.
Southern Nigeria remains under threat of continued light rain and flood potential, particularly in Bayelsa, where repeated rainfall may overwhelm drainage capacity.
Morning and evening showers are forecast in Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River.
NiMet has advised residents in flood-prone areas to prepare emergency response measures and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.
It urged the public to refrain from driving in heavy rain, fasten loose outdoor items, and disconnect electrical appliances to avoid electrocution or damage.
Vulnerable groups are advised to dress warmly due to expected low night-time temperatures.
Airline operators have been directed to obtain airport-specific weather briefings to guide flight operations safely during the forecast window.
NiMet recommends frequent consultation of updates via its official website: www.nimet.gov.ng.
