The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a stark warning of impending heavy rainfalls in several states across Nigeria, heightening fears of widespread flooding as the rainy season reaches its peak. In an impact-based weather forecast released today, NiMet outlined the areas expected to experience significant rainfall and its associated hazards over the next three days.
Friday’s Forecast (Next 24 Hours)
On Friday, NiMet predicts that Kwara, as well as parts of Niger, will witness heavy rainfalls. Additionally, moderate to heavy rainfalls are expected in the following 20 states: Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Yobe, Benue, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto. These weather conditions may lead to flash flooding, riverine flooding, soil erosion, strong winds, thunderstorms, and lightning.
Saturday’s Outlook
The forecast for Saturday includes moderate to heavy rainfall in several states, including Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and others. Some states, such as Borno, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Niger, are expected to experience “Low to Moderate Rainfall,” while the risk of hydrometeorological hazards remains minimal elsewhere.
Sunday’s Projections
On Sunday, there are slim prospects of moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Delta, Bayelsa, and River States. Similarly, “Low to Moderate Rainfall” is expected in several states, with little or no risk of hydrometeorological hazards.
Wind Alerts
Over the next three days, NiMet has identified the possibility of very strong winds affecting parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, and Kaduna State. The rest of the country should anticipate strong winds.
Potential Hazards
The agency warns that during this forecast period, isolated cases of flash floods, outbreaks of water-borne diseases, and damage to weak structures may occur. Additionally, due to the 24-hour accumulated rainfall, there could be a risk of loss of lives, injuries, reduced visibility, and interruptions to vehicular traffic.
Safety Measures
In light of these forecasts, NiMet strongly advises disaster response management authorities to raise awareness among the public and update flood contingency plans promptly. Vigilance and precautionary measures are essential during this period.
The states listed for heavy rainfall include Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, Plateau, Oyo, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Cross River, Imo, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers. Residents in these states are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect lives and property as heavy rains loom.
