The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has forecasted three days of nationwide thunderstorms, particularly affecting parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Borno states.
In a weather outlook released on Sunday, NiMET indicated that thunderstorms are expected later in the day across Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto states.
“Thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau and Kwara states during the morning hours.
“In the afternoon and evening periods, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Benue and Kogi states.
“Rains are envisaged over the southwest inland, especially parts of Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and Ogun extending to the coastal states of Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states during the morning hours, “ it said.
The agency, again said thunderstorms are expected over parts of Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo, Abia, Osun, Imo, Ekiti, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers and Lagos states later in the day.
NiMet stated, “Thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Benue and Nasarawa States within the morning hours.
“Later in the day thunderstorms are expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau and Kwara States.
“Morning rains are envisaged over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers States while the remaining parts of the South should be cloudy.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states,” among others.
NiMet urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas as there is a high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours.
The statement added, “Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Public and airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website, www.nimet.gov.ng”.
On Sunday, the Federal Government urged Nigerians to clear their canals, drains, and gutters to help mitigate flooding.
A dam update report from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) indicated that water levels at critical stations along the River Benue are steadily rising toward flood levels.
According to the statement signed by Head of Media and Publicity, Lauretta Samuel, the increase in water levels continues as of Saturday, although it remains at flood preparedness levels.
Samuel called on the twelve flood-prone states previously warned by NIHSA to implement measures to manage or facilitate water conveyance.