The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has projected widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Monday to Wednesday, warning of potential flash floods in several states.

In a weather update released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet indicated that morning thunderstorms and moderate rains are expected on Monday in parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina in the northern region.

It stated, “Thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are likely across the entire northern region later in the afternoon or evening. There’s a significant risk of flooding in Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi States during this period.”

For the central region, light rains are expected in the morning over areas such as Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa. In the afternoon and evening, light showers are likely in Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and the FCT.

In the southern parts of the country, cloudy skies with chances of light rain are forecast for the morning in states including Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa. By later in the day, light rainfall is expected to extend to areas such as Abia, Imo, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, and others.

NiMet cautioned that flash flooding could occur in Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta States during the forecast window.

On Tuesday, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected in the morning across northern states like Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara, continuing across the region into the afternoon and evening.

In the central region, intermittent light rainfall is predicted throughout the day in FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue.

Southern states will experience cloudy conditions with intermittent light rains, including in Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Rivers, and others. Flash flood risks remain high in Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.

By Wednesday, morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated in Taraba and Kaduna, followed by isolated thunderstorms in Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Adamawa.

The central region will see light rains in Nasarawa, Niger, and FCT in the morning, with continued showers in the afternoon across the wider region, including Kwara, Kogi, and Benue.

The southern zone is expected to remain cloudy with light showers in states like Ebonyi, Abia, Lagos, Delta, Cross River, and Bayelsa. Flash flooding is likely in parts of Bayelsa.

NiMet advised the public to avoid driving in heavy rain, urging residents in flood-prone areas to activate emergency measures promptly.

They also recommended the following precautions:

Provide warm clothing for vulnerable individuals due to cooler night temperatures.

Secure loose outdoor items to prevent damage.

Unplug electrical appliances during storms and avoid sheltering near tall trees.

Airlines are urged to obtain localized weather reports from NiMet for flight planning.

The agency encouraged citizens to stay updated through its official website: www.nimet.gov.ng.