NiMet thunderstorms and rain are expected across Nigeria from Wednesday to Friday, with flash-flood risks in five southern states

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has forecast cloudy skies, thunderstorms and varying levels of rainfall across Nigeria from Wednesday, September 9, to Friday, September 11, warning residents in several states to prepare for potentially disruptive weather conditions.

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The three-day outlook points to thunderstorms and rain across the northern, North-Central and southern regions, although the timing and intensity are expected to vary from one area to another.

For Wednesday, NiMet forecast patches of cloud over the northern region, with morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rain in parts of Taraba and Kebbi.

Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected in parts of Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna.

Across the North-Central region, parts of Nasarawa, Niger, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to experience morning thunderstorms with light rain. More widespread thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are forecast during the afternoon and evening.

The southern region is expected to remain largely cloudy on Wednesday, with morning rain possible in parts of Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom. Moderate rain is expected across most parts of the region later in the day.

The unsettled weather is expected to continue on Thursday.

NiMet forecast patches of cloud over the northern states, with morning thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Jigawa, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Kaduna.

By afternoon or evening, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain are expected in Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba.

In the North-Central region, sunny skies with patches of cloud are expected in the morning, alongside possible light thunderstorms in parts of the FCT, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger and Benue. Moderate thunderstorms are expected across the region later in the day.

The southern states are also expected to remain wet, with light morning rain possible in parts of Ondo, Ogun, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. NiMet expects rain to continue across most parts of the region later on Thursday.

The agency has identified parts of Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River as having a high possibility of flooding during the forecast period.

Friday is expected to bring another round of thunderstorms, particularly across the northern and central parts of the country.

NiMet forecast partly cloudy conditions in the north, with moderate thunderstorms and rain possible over Taraba and Adamawa during the morning.

By afternoon or evening, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba are expected to experience thunderstorms with moderate rain.

In the central region, sunny skies with patches of cloud are expected in the morning, with possible light thunderstorms in parts of the FCT, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger. Moderate thunderstorms are expected across most of the region later in the day.

The southern region is expected to remain cloudy on Friday, with moderate morning rain possible in parts of Ondo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. Moderate rain is again expected across most parts of the region later in the day.

NiMet also warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms in affected areas, raising the potential for hazardous conditions, particularly around trees, buildings and unsecured outdoor objects.

The agency urged residents to secure loose objects that could be blown about during storms and advised people to avoid driving during periods of heavy rainfall where possible.

Residents in areas prone to flash flooding were advised to activate emergency response arrangements, while motorists were warned to exercise particular caution on roads affected by poor visibility or accumulated water.

NiMet also advised residents to disconnect electrical appliances from power sockets during thunderstorms and stay away from tall trees because of the risk of falling branches.

The guidance comes as several parts of Nigeria continue to experience seasonal rainfall, with the agency maintaining regular weather monitoring and impact-based forecasts to help communities and institutions prepare for potentially severe conditions.

NiMet’s broader 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction also provides rainfall and other climate information intended to support planning across the country.

Airline operators have also been advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports and flight documentation from NiMet when planning operations.

For residents, the immediate message is one of sensible preparation rather than alarm.

With thunderstorms expected at different times across the country over the three-day period, staying updated on local forecasts and taking basic precautions could help reduce the impact of sudden storms, strong winds and flooding.

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NiMet encouraged the public to continue monitoring its official weather updates throughout the forecast period.