By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
THUNDERSTROMS, HEAVY rains, and significant flood risks are expected across several regions of Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday, according to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in its latest weather outlook released on Sunday.
The agency urgently advised residents, emergency services, and local authorities to remain on high alert throughout the forecast period.
NiMet also projected that on Monday, morning thunderstorms will affect parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States in the northern region, with afternoon and evening storms likely in Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Adamawa States.
The agency projected a high probability of flooding in Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto States.
In the central region, light morning rains are expected in parts of Niger State, followed by thunderstorms and light rains later in the day in the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States. Plateau, Nasarawa, and Niger States are considered high flood-risk areas during the period, according to the agency.
For the southern region, cloudy skies with intermittent light rain are anticipated in Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States in the morning, transitioning to moderate rains later in Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.
Flooding is possible in Delta, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.
On Tuesday, the northern states of Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, and Kaduna will likely see morning thunderstorms with moderate rains, extending to Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Gombe States later in the day.
The central region will have light morning rains in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi States, followed by thunderstorms and light rains across the same areas, including Kwara State.
The southern region will see light rains in Oyo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Lagos, and Bayelsa States in the morning, with widespread rain expected later.
Wednesday’s forecast includes morning thunderstorms over Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, with widespread afternoon and evening storms in the northern region.
Central states including Kwara, Niger, Kogi, and Plateau will experience light morning rains, followed by thunderstorms later.
The south will have light morning rains in Enugu, Ebonyi, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, and Bayelsa States, continuing into the afternoon and evening.
NiMet’s advisory urged residents in flood-prone areas to activate emergency response measures, avoid driving under heavy rain, and secure loose objects to prevent damage.
The agency warned against standing under tall trees during storms and advised the disconnection of electrical appliances to reduce electrical hazards.
Farmers were encouraged to avoid applying fertiliser or pesticides immediately before rainfall to prevent nutrient loss.
NiMet also cautioned vulnerable persons to wear warm clothing during low night-time temperatures and recommended that airline operators obtain airport-specific weather reports for operational planning.
