By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has predicted thunderstorms across the country over the next three days, with Sokoto, Kebbi, and Borno states expected to experience the most intense weather.
In its weather outlook released on Sunday, NiMET forecasts thunderstorms for parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto later in the day.
The agency also predicts morning thunderstorms in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states, with isolated thunderstorms expected in these areas during the afternoon and evening.
Meanwhile, NiMET forecasts rain over the southwest inland areas, including Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ogun, extending to coastal states such as Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa during the morning. In the evening, thunderstorms are expected to affect Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, Abia, Osun, Imo, Ekiti, Delta, and Bayelsa, as well as Lagos and other coastal regions.
The agency cautioned residents in flood-prone areas to be vigilant, warning of potential urban flooding due to heavy rainfall. NiMET advised the public, particularly airline operators, to stay updated on weather reports for effective planning.
Additionally, the Federal Government urged Nigerians to clear canals, drainages, and gutters to prevent flooding. A dam report by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) revealed rising water levels along the River Benue, approaching flood levels. NIHSA has warned the twelve most flood-prone states to take precautionary measures.
