NiMet Issues Safety Measures as Rainfall Persists Across Nigeria

NiMet Issues Safety Measures as Rainfall Persists Across Nigeria

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a public advisory warning Nigerians to prepare for persistent rainfall and thunderstorms across the country over the next three days.

The Agency urged strict adherence to safety precautions to avoid weather-related hazards.

In the 3-day weather outlook released by its Central Forecast Office on Wednesday, NiMet forecast a wave of moderate to heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms expected to affect various parts of the north, central, and southern regions from Thursday, July 31 to Saturday, August 2, 2025.

The agency advised residents to avoid driving under heavy rainfall, ensure loose objects are properly fastened, and disconnect electrical appliances to prevent weather-induced damage.

“Ensure warm clothing for vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures,” the statement noted.

It also warned against seeking shelter under tall trees, stressing the danger of falling branches and debris during storms.

Airline operators were particularly urged to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for effective flight planning, while the general public was encouraged to stay informed through the agency’s official updates and channels.

According to the outlook; on Thursday, July 31, morning thunderstorms are expected in northern states including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Taraba, Bauchi, and Katsina, followed by moderate rains across the region later in the day.

The central states of Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, and Nasarawa will likely experience light to moderate rainfall in the morning, extending by afternoon and evening to Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, and Benue.

The southern region will remain cloudy, with light to moderate rains anticipated in parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, and later in Oyo, Ondo, Abia, Imo, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.

For Friday, August 1, NiMet predicted renewed morning thunderstorms with moderate rains in Taraba, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kaduna, Gombe, and Bauchi. The storms are expected to intensify in the afternoon, spreading to Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Yobe, Kano, and other northern states.

Central states including Plateau, Kwara, Niger, and Nasarawa will also see rains throughout the day, with the Federal Capital Territory and Kogi among those likely affected later in the day.

In the south, consistent cloudiness and widespread rainfall are projected to persist, affecting Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.

By Saturday, August 2, the outlook indicates that Kaduna and Adamawa will see morning thunderstorms with moderate rainfall, which will continue into the afternoon and expand to Taraba and Bauchi.

The Federal Capital Territory and Niger will again experience morning rains, followed by thunderstorms in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Benue.

The South-East and South-South regions will also remain wet, with light to moderate rains expected in the morning and extending into the afternoon and evening across Ebonyi, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Cross River.

NiMet emphasized the importance of staying alert and adopting necessary safety measures during the rainy period. “Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet,” the agency urged.

NiMet noted that regular updates are available via its official website, www.nimet.gov.ng.