The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread thunderstorms and moderate-to-heavy rains across several parts of Nigeria from Wednesday to Friday, warning residents in five southern states of possible flash floods.
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In its three-day weather outlook released in Abuja on Tuesday, NiMet predicted varying degrees of rainfall across the North, North-Central and Southern regions between September 9 and 11.
The agency specifically identified Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states as areas with a high possibility of flooding during the forecast period.
NiMet said parts of the North could experience morning thunderstorms and light rains on Wednesday, particularly in Taraba and Kebbi states, with more thunderstorms and moderate rainfall expected later in the day across Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna states.
In the North-Central region, the agency forecast morning thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Nasarawa, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory, with moderate rainfall expected across most parts of the region later in the day.
Southern states, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states, were also placed under varying chances of rainfall, with moderate rains expected in many areas later in the day.
For Thursday, NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms and light rains across parts of Jigawa, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Kaduna states, followed by moderate rainfall in several northern states later in the day.
Across the North-Central region, morning thunderstorms were expected over parts of the FCT, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger and Benue states, with moderate rains forecast across the region in the afternoon or evening.
The South is also expected to experience morning rains in parts of Ondo, Ogun, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, with continued rainfall expected in most areas later in the day.
NiMet warned that Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states could experience flash flooding during the period and urged authorities in the affected areas to activate emergency response measures.
For Friday, the agency forecasts partly cloudy conditions over the North, with morning thunderstorms and moderate rains possible in Taraba and Adamawa states.
Later in the day, thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are expected across parts of Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba states.
The North-Central region could also experience morning thunderstorms over parts of the FCT, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states, followed by moderate rains across much of the region.
In the South, moderate morning rains are expected over parts of Ondo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, with more rainfall forecast across most areas later in the day.
NiMet also warned that strong winds may precede thunderstorms, urging residents to take precautions and secure loose objects that could be blown away or cause injury.
The agency advised motorists to avoid driving during heavy rainfall and urged residents to disconnect electrical appliances during storms.
It also cautioned people to stay away from tall trees because of the risk of falling branches and trees.
Airline operators were advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for proper flight planning.
NiMet urged residents to remain alert and follow its latest weather updates, particularly in areas identified as vulnerable to flash flooding.