The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a nationwide weather alert for Wednesday, forecasting widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across all regions of the country.
The advisory warns of possible flash flooding, disruptions to daily activities, and safety hazards associated with severe weather conditions.
According to the daily weather outlook released by NiMet on it’s X account, several states in the Northern region including Taraba, Kaduna, Adamawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi will experience thunderstorms beginning in the morning and continuing into the afternoon and evening hours.
In the North-Central region, thunderstorms are likely in the morning across Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Nasarawa. Later in the day, storms are expected to extend into Kogi and Plateau.
The Southern states will see a generally cloudy atmosphere in the morning, with early rainfall possible in parts of Ondo, Ekiti, and Edo. However, by afternoon and evening, isolated thunderstorms with rain are forecast across Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers.
The agency has urged the public to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions during this period of heightened weather activity. Key advisories include:
“Be aware of flash flooding, especially in flood-prone areas.
“Avoid driving during heavy downpours, as visibility and road conditions may deteriorate rapidly.
“Secure loose outdoor items that may become hazardous in strong winds.
“Unplug electrical appliances during lightning activity to avoid electrical hazards.
“Stay indoors and avoid sheltering under tall or unstable trees during storms.
“Airline operators are strongly advised to obtain airport-specific forecasts for flight safety planning.
“The public is advised to remain cautious of flash flooding and disruptions due to heavy rainfall,”
NiMet emphasised the importance of preparedness, urging communities and local authorities to act proactively in minimising risks and responding to emergencies that may arise due to adverse weather.
As the rainy season intensifies, citizens are encouraged to follow official weather updates and heed safety advisories to protect lives and property.
BusinessDay
