The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast cloudy skies, thunderstorms and moderate rains across Nigeria. The outlook covers Monday to Wednesday. NiMet released the forecast in Abuja on Sunday.
Nigeria’s rainy season runs from April to October. Flooding is common. In 2022, floods killed over 600 people. In 2024, flooding displaced thousands in Benue and Kogi. NiMet issues forecasts to reduce risk. The agency’s warnings have improved. Public compliance remains weak.
For Monday, NiMet predicted patches of clouds over the north. Thunderstorms and moderate rains are expected later. The North-Central region will see cloudy conditions in the morning. Isolated thunderstorms are expected over the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Niger and Plateau. The south will see light rains over Ebonyi, Enugu, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
For Tuesday, morning thunderstorms are expected over Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Taraba and Adamawa. The North-Central region will see thunderstorms over Benue, Kogi, Plateau and Nasarawa. The south will see light rains over Ebonyi, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom. Afternoon thunderstorms are expected over Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Edo and other states.
For Wednesday, morning thunderstorms are expected over Taraba, Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe. The North-Central region will see thunderstorms over Nasarawa and Plateau. The south will see intermittent light rains. Moderate rains are expected later.
NiMet warned that strong winds may precede thunderstorms. It advised residents to fasten loose objects. It urged them to avoid driving under heavy rain. It advised disconnecting electrical appliances. It warned against sheltering under tall trees. Airline operators should obtain airport-specific weather reports.
Winners: NiMet, which demonstrates forecasting capacity. Farmers, who gain planting guidance. Airlines, which gain planning data. Losers: Residents in flood-prone areas, if they ignore warnings. Travelers, who face delays. Those who ignore safety advice.
Bottom Line: NiMet forecasts rain across Nigeria. The warnings are clear. Compliance is the variable. Floods kill when warnings are ignored.