The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across most part of Nigeria, warning that heavy downpours, strong winds, lightning and reduced visibility could affect several states across the country.
In a weather outlook shared on its official X account, the agency said the wet weather would impact northern, north-central and southern states, with some areas facing the risk of localised flooding.
NiMet said parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba states are expected to experience patches of cloud with thunderstorms and light rainfall during the morning.
It warned that some communities could experience localised flooding.
“Some areas could also experience localised flooding,” the agency said, urging residents and stakeholders to take necessary precautions.
The agency added that isolated thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected later in the afternoon and evening over parts of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, Adamawa, Borno and Taraba states.
It said the storms could be accompanied by lightning and occasional strong winds.
In the North Central region, NiMet forecast morning thunderstorms with light rainfall before more widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall develop later in the day across Niger, Kwara, Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The agency warned that some locations could experience reduced visibility and localised flooding.
Southern states are also expected to receive rainfall, with morning showers forecast for parts of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti before moderate rainfall spreads across most of the region later in the day.
“The prolonged wet conditions could lead to localised flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas,” NiMet said.
The agency advised residents to remain alert as strong winds may precede thunderstorms.
Motorists were urged to drive carefully during heavy rainfall and poor visibility, while residents were warned not to walk or drive through floodwaters.
NiMet also advised people to avoid taking shelter under tall trees during thunderstorms because of the risk of lightning strikes.
For the aviation sector, the agency urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet to support safe and efficient flight operations.
