The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather forecast indicating heavy rainfall in parts of Kwara and Niger on Friday, along with moderate to heavy rainfall expected in 20 states across the country.
The forecast, obtained by our correspondent, reveals that during this period, a 24-hour heavy rainfall is anticipated, accompanied by low to moderate rainfall.
This weather pattern may lead to flash flooding, riverine flooding, soil erosion, strong winds, thunder, and lightning.
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As the rainy season reaches its peak, this prediction heightens concerns about potential flooding in various regions of Nigeria.
NiMet further predicts moderate to heavy rainfall on Saturday, particularly in parts of Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Yobe, Benue, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States. Additionally, there is a likelihood of low to moderate rainfall in Borno, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Niger on the same day.
The report assures that other areas face little or no risk of hydrometeorological hazards.
Looking ahead to Sunday, the forecast suggests slim prospects of moderate to heavy rainfall in sections of Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Delta, Bayelsa, and River States. In contrast, low to moderate rainfall is expected in several other states, including Borno, Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Oyo, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Cross River, Edo, Rivers, and Imo. In these areas, the risk of hydrometeorological hazards remains minimal.
Over the next three days, NiMet also anticipates the likelihood of very strong winds affecting specific regions of Nigeria, including parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, and Kaduna States. The rest of the country can expect strong winds.
The forecast highlights potential risks associated with the upcoming weather conditions, including isolated cases of flash floods leading to displacements, outbreaks of water-borne diseases, and damage to weak structures. Additionally, the 24-hour accumulated rainfall may result in loss of life, injuries, reduced visibility, and traffic disruptions.
In light of these projections, the report urges disaster response management authorities to raise public awareness and update flood contingency plans.
Below are the states listed for heavy rainfall:
- Sokoto
- Zamfara
- Katsina
- Kano
- Bauchi
- Kaduna
- Plateau
- Oyo
- Kogi
- Nasarawa
- Benue
- Adamawa
- Taraba
- Cross River
- Imo
- Ondo
- Edo
- Delta
- Bayelsa
- Rivers
