The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast cloudy skies, thunderstorms and rainfall across several parts of Nigeria from Wednesday to Friday, warning of possible flooding in five southern states.
In its latest weather outlook released in Abuja, NiMet said thunderstorms and light rains are expected on Wednesday morning in parts of Taraba, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Later in the day, moderate thunderstorms are forecast across several northern states, including Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna, while most parts of the North-Central region are also expected to experience rainfall.
In the South, morning rains are anticipated in Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom, with moderate rainfall expected across most of the region later in the day.
For Thursday, NiMet predicted thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Jigawa, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Kaduna in the morning, while moderate rains are expected in several northern states later in the day.
The agency said parts of the FCT, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger and Benue would experience morning thunderstorms, with moderate rainfall expected across the North-Central region later in the day.
NiMet also warned of a high possibility of flooding in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the forecast period.
On Friday, thunderstorms and moderate rains are expected across parts of the North, including Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba.
The FCT, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger are also expected to record rainfall, while moderate rains are forecast across much of southern Nigeria.
NiMet warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms and advised residents to secure loose objects, avoid driving during heavy rainfall and stay away from tall trees.
The agency urged states facing possible flash floods to activate emergency response systems. It also advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for effective flight planning.
Residents were encouraged to monitor official weather updates and take necessary precautions as conditions develop.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
