NiMet Warns of Intense Thunderstorms and Heavy Rains Across Nigeria This Weekend

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a fresh weather alert forecasting intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across several parts of the country from Friday through Sunday, warning residents and authorities to brace for possible disruptions.

According to the advisory, the weather system is expected to affect the North Central, North West, and Southern regions, with varying levels of impact on states including Abuja, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Benue, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Edo, and Delta. The agency stressed that the combination of thunderstorms and prolonged downpours may trigger flash floods, traffic gridlock, flight delays, and damage to infrastructure, particularly in flood-prone areas.

NiMet explained that the prediction follows close monitoring of atmospheric dynamics and seasonal patterns, which show moisture build-up from the Atlantic Ocean and convergence of winds along the Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD). This combination, the agency said, is heightening the likelihood of widespread thunderstorms that could last several hours.

From Friday, pockets of thunderstorms will begin in the North Central, gradually intensifying into severe rainfall by Saturday across many states, with the peak of the activity expected on Sunday. The agency further cautioned that while rainfall is critical for agriculture and water supply, excessive intensity could worsen ongoing cases of erosion, flooding, and damage to farmlands.

Residents in urban centres such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja were specifically urged to avoid clogged drainages, stay indoors during lightning strikes, and monitor weather updates regularly. In the northern axis, farmers were warned that waterlogging could affect farmlands, while rural dwellers near river basins should watch for sudden rises in water levels.

NiMet’s Director of Weather Forecasting, Charles Anosike, noted that the alert is part of the agency’s proactive efforts to minimize risks associated with extreme weather events. He emphasized that Nigeria’s rainy season, which peaks between June and September, often brings dangerous flooding if not properly managed. “We have observed increasing rainfall patterns in recent weeks. Citizens must take these warnings seriously to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

The agency also called on state emergency management agencies, local governments, and community leaders to prepare contingency plans, clear drainage channels, and sensitize communities on evacuation routes in case of severe flooding. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and airline operators were equally cautioned to prepare for possible flight delays or cancellations due to low visibility and stormy conditions.

This warning comes on the back of recent flooding incidents in some parts of the country. In states like Kogi, Adamawa, and Lagos, heavy rains in the past weeks have already caused traffic paralysis, damage to homes, and loss of farmlands. Humanitarian groups have raised concerns about the vulnerability of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in low-lying settlements who may face heightened risks from torrential rains.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) recently issued a similar outlook, projecting that more than 30 states are prone to flooding in 2025 due to above-normal rainfall and the release of excess water from major dams. Analysts warn that if combined with NiMet’s forecast, the situation may worsen economic disruptions, especially in food supply chains and transport corridors.

Environmentalists also weighed in, pointing out that poor urban planning and uncontrolled construction around waterways exacerbate the effects of heavy rainfall. They called for urgent investment in drainage infrastructure, early warning dissemination, and climate adaptation strategies to reduce the impact of such weather events.

Meanwhile, road transport operators are advising passengers to exercise patience, as stormy conditions often slow travel times. “We advise our drivers to avoid risky night trips during thunderstorms and maintain safety first,” said a spokesman for the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Health experts added that residents should be cautious of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, which tend to spread during heavy rains when potable water is contaminated. They encouraged communities to boil water before drinking and to maintain proper hygiene during this period.

As the weekend approaches, NiMet reiterated that the forecast is not meant to cause panic but to enhance preparedness. It encouraged citizens to follow daily updates through the agency’s mobile app, radio broadcasts, and official social media platforms.

The agency also urged the media to play a key role in ensuring that timely and accurate information reaches vulnerable populations, particularly those in rural and riverine communities.

In conclusion, the weekend ahead promises to test Nigeria’s disaster preparedness as the country braces for heavy rains and thunderstorms. With flooding already a recurrent challenge during the rainy season, NiMet’s advisory serves as a reminder that collective vigilance—from government agencies to local residents—is critical to reducing the human and economic toll of extreme weather.