The agency forecasts thunderstorms and moderate rain across northern, central and southern states from Monday to Wednesday

Residents across Nigeria are being urged to prepare for a unsettled three-day spell as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, led by Director-General and Chief Executive Officer Professor Charles Anosike, forecast thunderstorms, moderate rainfall and periods of sunshine across the country from Monday, August 31, to Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Also read: NiMet Forecasts Thunderstorms, Sunny Skies Friday

The NiMet weather forecast, issued in Abuja on Sunday, August 30, points to a familiar late-rainy-season pattern, with conditions expected to vary significantly between regions and even within individual states.

For many communities, the showers may offer some relief from humid conditions. But NiMet has also warned that thunderstorms could be accompanied by strong winds, while persistent rainfall in parts of the South may increase the risk of flash flooding.

On Monday, parts of the North are expected to begin the day with sunshine and pockets of cloud. Morning thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are forecast over parts of Taraba, Adamawa and Kaduna.

The situation is expected to become more widespread by afternoon and evening, with thunderstorms and moderate rain possible across parts of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba.

The North Central region is also expected to remain wet. Morning thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are forecast over parts of Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.

Later on Monday, similar conditions are expected across parts of Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa and the FCT.

Southern Nigeria is expected to experience rainfall from the morning, particularly in parts of Ondo, Ogun, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Lagos and Bayelsa.

NiMet expects the rainfall to spread more widely across the South during the afternoon and evening.

The unsettled pattern is forecast to continue into Tuesday, although the areas affected are expected to shift.

Morning thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are likely over parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa and Taraba. By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms and moderate rain could affect parts of Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa.

In the North Central region, morning thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain are expected over parts of Niger, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory.

NiMet said thunderstorms and moderate rainfall would become more widespread across the region later in the day.

Further south, light morning rainfall is forecast over parts of Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Rivers. The agency expects thunderstorms and moderate rainfall to affect the entire southern region later on Tuesday.

By Wednesday, the North is expected to see partly cloudy skies, with morning thunderstorms and light rain possible in parts of Bauchi, Jigawa and Yobe.

More widespread thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are forecast across the northern region later in the day.

The North Central states are expected to start Wednesday with sunny conditions and patches of cloud before thunderstorms and moderate rainfall develop later.

Across the South, NiMet expects a largely cloudy atmosphere, with light morning rainfall possible over parts of Edo, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Rivers.

Thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are then expected across the entire southern region later on Wednesday.

The latest outlook comes against the backdrop of NiMet’s broader 2026 seasonal climate prediction, which forecast normal to above-normal rainfall and a generally extended rainy season in several parts of Nigeria.

The agency has also continued to issue specific heavy-rainfall and flash-flood advisories as weather conditions evolve. (NiMet)

That broader context is important for communities in low-lying and poorly drained areas, where several consecutive rainfall events can leave drainage systems under pressure even when individual storms are not exceptionally severe.

NiMet has therefore urged residents to take precautions before and during thunderstorms, particularly because strong winds may occur ahead of rainfall.

People have been advised to secure loose objects around homes and other structures to prevent them from being blown away or causing injury.

The agency has also issued a firm warning to motorists and pedestrians in areas affected by persistent rainfall.

“Drivers should avoid driving or wading through flood waters. Driving under heavy rain should be avoided,” NiMet advised.

Residents were also urged to disconnect electrical appliances from sockets during severe weather and keep away from tall trees, where falling branches or damaged trees could pose a danger.

The warning is particularly relevant to coastal and southern communities, where NiMet said persistent rainfall could trigger flash flooding.

The agency’s advice reflects the practical importance of short-range weather information in a country where heavy rainfall can quickly affect transport, electricity, agriculture, aviation and daily economic activity.

Airline operators have also been advised to obtain airport-specific weather information from NiMet when planning flights, underscoring the potential impact of thunderstorms and reduced visibility on aviation operations.

NiMet continues to encourage members of the public to monitor its regular weather updates rather than relying solely on general forecasts, as the location and intensity of thunderstorms can change during the course of a day.

For residents, the message for the coming three days is therefore one of sensible preparation rather than alarm: sunshine may dominate one period, while a powerful storm can develop later in the same area.

Also read: NiMet Issues Early Rainfall Warning Across 14 States

With the rainy season still active across much of the country, staying informed and avoiding unnecessary exposure during thunderstorms could prove especially important as Nigeria moves into September.