Key Points

• NiMet forecast warns of widespread thunderstorms and flooding risks.

• Heavy rain may disrupt flights, transport, and agriculture nationwide.

• NiMet forecast prompts emergency response from state agencies.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has put out a new weather warning. It says that thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to hit the whole country over the next three days, starting on Tuesday.

The alert covers a lot of ground, from the Atlantic coast to the Sahel belt in the North. Officials are telling people to take steps to protect themselves from flooding, wind damage, and transportation problems as soon as possible.

The agency’s most recent forecast said that weather activity will get worse in states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Abuja, Kogi, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Rivers, and Cross River. The outlook shows that there is a good chance of strong winds, thunder, and heavy rain that doesn’t last long, especially in communities on the coast and inland.

NiMet’s forecast says that flash floods are likely to happen all over the country

Prof. Charles Anosike, NiMet’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, said that the forecast was based on current weather conditions and satellite data showing that more moisture was coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. He said that the combination of heat buildup and moisture transport is causing severe convective systems that can make storms with a lot of power.

According to a report by Vanguard news, Anosike said that flash floods and low visibility could make it hard to travel by road or air. He told drivers, airline operators, and farmers to be careful. “We are seeing more thunderstorms because the rainy season is changing.” “We want to make sure that people and property don’t get hurt or killed,” he said.

He said that local governments and emergency management agencies have been told to get ready for possible flash floods, especially in Kaduna, Taraba, Benue, Delta, and Bayelsa States, where the drainage systems are still weak.

States are on alert as the NiMet forecast moves south

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Abuja said it had put its flood response teams on alert, as NiMet had predicted. Dr. Abbas Idriss, the Director-General, said that people living near rivers and floodplains were being taught how to evacuate if the water levels rose.

In the same way, the State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) in Lagos said it was keeping a close eye on the weather.

Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, head of LASEMA, said, “We’ve sent people to major flood-prone areas like Lekki, Ajah, and the mainland axis.” “The NiMet forecast is very important for our emergency planning.”

The NiMet forecast shows that people are more worried about climate change

Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, a climate advocate and Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, is one of many environmental experts who say the pattern shows a bigger climate crisis.

Bassey told reporters that “NiMet’s forecast shows how climate variability is changing Nigeria’s rainfall distribution.” He also said that unpredictable weather patterns could hurt agriculture and food security.

The agency said again that people should stay up to date through its Weather Alert System and partner radio networks. It stressed that staying away from blocked drains, keeping waterways clear, and paying attention to early warnings are all very important for reducing the effects of disasters.