NiMet Forecasts Nationwide Thunderstorms, Heavy Rains, And Flood Risk

NiMet Forecasts Nationwide Thunderstorms, Heavy Rains, And Flood Risk

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of widespread thunderstorms and rainfall from Monday to Wednesday, with a high risk of flooding in parts of the country.

In its Sunday weather outlook, NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms and moderate rains in Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba, extending later to Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Adamawa.

Flood-prone areas include Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto.

” For the Central Region, there are prospects of light rain over parts of Niger States during the morning period.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with light rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and Kogi States.

“There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Plateau, Nasarawa and Niger States during the forecast period,” it said.

Southern states will see cloudy skies with light morning showers in Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, followed by moderate rains in Enugu, Edo, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.

For Tuesday: 

“Morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba,‎ Adamawa, Katsina and Kaduna States.

” Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto and Gombe States during the afternoon/evening hours,” it said.

Flood alerts have been issued for Delta, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.

For Wednesday:

“Morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

” Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region‎ during the afternoon/evening hours.

‎”Light rains are anticipated over parts of Kwara, Niger, Kogi and Plateau States of the central region during the morning hours,” it said.

The central region is expected to have light morning rains in the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi, with thunderstorms and showers later across these states plus Kwara.

“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. The states with the possibility of flash flood should activate the emergency response system immediately.

“To avoid leaching of nutrients, farmers should refrain from applying fertiliser and pesticides right before ‎the rains. Ensure warm clothing for vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures.

“Ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.‎

” Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” it said.

NiMet urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific forecasts and advised residents to stay updated via its website: www.nimet.gov.ng.