By JOY ADARA, Abuja-
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather forecast indicating a three-day period of rainfall and thunderstorms across various regions of Nigeria, spanning from Sunday to Tuesday.
According to the agency’s report released on Saturday in Abuja, residents should prepare for diverse weather patterns and potential flooding in several states.
On Sunday morning, NiMet expects moderate rainfall in areas such as Jigawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa.
Later in the day, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are likely to affect Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and the aforementioned states.
“There is a high likelihood of flooding in parts of Kebbi, Gombe, and Bauchi states during this period,” NiMet warned.
In the central region, light intermittent showers are anticipated in Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Niger State during the morning. By afternoon or evening, light rains are expected to extend to Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, and Kogi states.
The agency highlighted a significant flood risk in Niger, Plateau, Kogi, and Benue states.
For the southern region, cloudy skies are forecast for the morning, with moderate rains expected later in states including Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Osun, Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. NiMet noted, “Parts of Osun state face a high possibility of flooding during this forecast period.”
On Monday, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba, Yola, Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna.
In the central region, light showers are likely in the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, and Niger during the morning, with intermittent rains in Niger, Plateau, Kwara, and Benue later in the day.
The southern region will see cloudy mornings, followed by light rains in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, and Lagos.
Tuesday’s forecast includes morning thunderstorms with moderate rains in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna, with similar conditions extending to Kebbi and other northern states in the afternoon or evening.
The central region will experience cloudy skies in the morning, with moderate rains in the FCT, Niger, and Plateau later. In the south, cloudy mornings will give way to light rains in Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Cross River, and Lagos.
NiMet urged caution, advising the public to avoid driving during heavy rainfall. The agency emphasized, “States at risk of flash floods, particularly those highlighted in red, should activate emergency response plans.”
Farmers were advised to delay applying fertilizers and pesticides to prevent nutrient leaching, while vulnerable individuals should ensure access to warm clothing due to cooler nighttime temperatures.
Additional precautions include securing loose objects, disconnecting electrical appliances, and avoiding tall trees to minimize risks from falling branches.
NiMet also recommended that airline operators consult airport-specific weather reports for operational planning and encouraged residents to stay updated via the agency’s website, www.nimet.gov.ng.
