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NiMet Warns of Storms, Flood Risk Across Nigeria

Published

2 months ago

August 31, 2026

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.

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Maresca Says Man City Unity Grows Amid Financial Case

Published

18 hours ago

October 16, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Maresca says Man City unity grows amid the club’s financial case as the manager focuses on results ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Ipswich.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has said the club’s players, supporters and leadership have become more united amid the Premier League financial case, speaking at a pre-match press conference in Manchester on Friday, 16 October 2026, ahead of Saturday’s league meeting with Ipswich Town.

Also read: NPFL Suspends Fan Over Alleged Threats to Away Teams

Maresca said he was not personally troubled by the controversy, arguing that the team had little control over the proceedings and should concentrate on performances on the pitch.

“Since the noise, from my personal point of view, I can see the fans, the club, the team more together, for sure,” Maresca said.

His comments come as City continue their Premier League campaign under the scrutiny of a significant disciplinary case.

An independent commission found the club guilty of multiple breaches of the league’s financial regulations, following allegations concerning its financial reporting and commercial arrangements between 2009 and 2018.

Manchester City have rejected the findings and appealed the decision, maintaining that they have evidence to challenge the ruling. The appeal means the dispute remains unresolved, with the eventual outcome potentially carrying significant consequences for the club.

For now, Maresca has sought to keep the focus on football, presenting the team’s response to the controversy as a matter of discipline and collective responsibility rather than public argument.

“There is noise around the club but we need to try to make our noise,” he said. “That means win at Anfield, try to win tomorrow against Ipswich. This is the way we can make our noise. A different kind of noise; we’re not able to control that.”

City’s recent results have offered both encouragement and a reminder of the demands of competing across several fronts.

The club recorded a 3-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool at Anfield before suffering a 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Maresca described the European loss as a learning opportunity, saying City had struggled to maintain their balance after conceding twice in quick succession.

He nevertheless pointed to the response after half-time as evidence that the players could recover from difficult spells.

The defeat has added importance to Saturday’s meeting with Ipswich, as City look to maintain their domestic momentum while managing the demands of a busy schedule.

Asked how he was coping with the attention surrounding the financial proceedings, Maresca was direct.

“I’m very happy. I don’t feel any kind of stress about the outside situation because it’s something I don’t control. I just focus on how we can try to win the next games,” he said.

The manager also indicated that he trusted the club’s leadership and had discussed the case with officials. However, he preferred to wait for the legal process to reach an outcome before drawing conclusions about the matter.

The independent commission’s findings have intensified scrutiny of City’s financial conduct, with the case involving alleged breaches over a nine-season period.

The commission found the club guilty of 114 of the 115 charges relating to financial misconduct and associated failures to comply with the Premier League’s investigation, according to reports on the ruling.

City have appealed and continue to contest the findings. The distinction between the commission’s conclusions and the club’s position remains central to the ongoing dispute.

The case has also renewed debate about financial regulation in English football, including the effectiveness of oversight and the consequences clubs may face when they breach competition rules.

Any eventual sanctions will depend on the relevant proceedings and their outcome.

Against that background, Maresca’s emphasis on unity reflects the club’s immediate priority of sustaining results while the case progresses.

His comments do not resolve the questions raised by the commission, but they indicate how he intends to manage the situation within the dressing room.

Saturday’s fixture presents a further test. Ipswich have had a full week to prepare, while City return to domestic action after their midweek European commitment.

Maresca acknowledged that the difference in preparation time could make the contest demanding.

A victory would give City the opportunity to extend their Premier League winning run to seven matches, reinforcing their position near the top of the table.

The manager’s challenge is to ensure that the off-field controversy does not distract from the consistency required over a long season.

For supporters, the coming weeks will bring two parallel developments: City’s pursuit of domestic and European success, and the progress of the financial appeal.

The club’s results may shape the mood around the team, but the disciplinary proceedings will ultimately be determined by the relevant legal and regulatory process.

Maresca’s message was that City should concentrate on the part of the situation they can influence.

Also read: NPFL Suspends Fan Over Alleged Threats to Away Teams

With Ipswich next on the schedule, the immediate measure of that approach will be the team’s performance on the pitch, while the broader questions surrounding the club’s financial conduct remain outstanding.