The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has announced that much of the country should brace for periods of thunderstorms and rainfall from Monday through Wednesday.
Releasing its latest forecast on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet indicated that residents in parts of northern Nigeria—including Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe—can expect thunderstorms with moderate rain early Monday.
As the day progresses, stormy weather is likely to expand to Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Adamawa, Taraba, and Borno States.
In the central region, Plateau and Niger should anticipate light showers in the morning, turning into thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall in Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Plateau, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) later in the day.
Moving to the south, Monday is set to begin with overcast conditions, with a possibility of light rain in Cross River and Akwa Ibom. By afternoon and evening, gentle rains could spread over Abia, Edo, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa States.
Tuesday’s weather sees thunderstorms with moderate rain returning to Bauchi, Gombe, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, and Kebbi in the morning.
By afternoon and evening, more storms are forecast across Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, and Zamfara States.
Central states—Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara, and the FCT—should look out for cloudy mornings with light rain, followed by more extensive thunderstorms later in the day.
The southern region will likely see light morning showers in Cross River and Akwa Ibom, but as Tuesday progresses, moderate rain is expected across a wider area, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Abia, Imo, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, NiMet predicts a mix of clouds and sunshine in the North, with some areas—particularly Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kaduna—seeing rainfall in the morning. Thunderstorms with moderate downpours are set to move in later in the day for most northern states.
In the central corridor, residents should prepare for light morning rain in Niger, Kwara, and the FCT, while the afternoon and evening could bring thunderstorms and additional light rain to the FCT, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger, and Nasarawa.
Southern Nigeria is set for steady, moderate rain showers throughout Wednesday.
NiMet has advised Nigerians to remain vigilant and adopt safety measures. Motorists are urged to avoid travelling during heavy rainfall, and farmers should hold off on applying fertilizers or pesticides just before expected rain to avoid nutrient loss.
“Ensure that anyone vulnerable to chilly nights is properly clothed,” NiMet added, “and secure items that could be blown by strong winds. Residents should always unplug electrical devices during thunderstorms and never shelter under tall trees to avoid falling branches. Airline operators should use NiMet’s specialized reports for safe flight operations.”
