NiMet Warns of Nationwide Thunderstorms, Flood Risks Aug 14–16

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a detailed three-day weather outlook predicting widespread thunderstorms, moderate to heavy rainfall, and potential flooding across several parts of the country from Thursday, August 14, to Saturday, August 16, 2025.

The forecast, released in Abuja on Wednesday, warns of possible flooding in both northern and southern states during the period, urging residents, farmers, transporters, and airline operators to take necessary precautions.

Thursday’s Outlook

Northern Region:
NiMet predicts morning thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall in Borno, Kebbi, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, and Taraba States. By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected to extend across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Adamawa States.
There is a high likelihood of flooding in Zamfara, Sokoto, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, and Taraba during the day.

Central Region:
Thunderstorms and intermittent rainfall are forecast in Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Niger during the morning. By afternoon and evening, moderate rainfall with thunderstorms will cover the FCT, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, and Kogi States. Flooding risks are particularly high in Nasarawa and Benue.

Southern Region:
Morning cloud cover will bring light rain to Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States. Later in the day, moderate rainfall is expected in Oyo, Osun, Edo, Ondo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa, with Cross River facing an elevated flood threat.

Friday’s Outlook

Northern Region:
Morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are likely in Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Taraba, Yobe, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms are expected to affect much of the northern belt. Flooding risks will be high in Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, and Bauchi States.

Central Region:
Morning rainfall and thunderstorms are anticipated in the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, and Kogi States. Later, light rainfall is expected over the same areas. There is a significant risk of flooding in Benue, Niger, Kogi, and the FCT.

Southern Region:
Cloudy skies will dominate the morning, with light rain in Oyo, Ogun, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Imo, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, and Lagos. Later, rainfall will spread across Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, and Bayelsa.




Saturday’s Outlook

Northern Region:
The day will begin with morning thunderstorms and moderate rainfall in Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Taraba, and Sokoto States. In the afternoon and evening, thunderstorms with moderate rains will continue in Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Borno, Bauchi, Yobe, Taraba, and Sokoto. Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara are at heightened risk of flooding.

Central Region:
Light rains are expected in Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, and the FCT in the morning, followed by widespread thunderstorms and moderate rains in the afternoon and evening.

Southern Region:
Ondo, Osun, Ebonyi, and Cross River will see light morning rainfall. Later, the rain will intensify and spread to Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Edo, Oyo, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Rivers States.




NiMet strongly advises motorists to avoid driving in heavy rain to reduce accident risks. Residents in flood-prone states should activate emergency response plans without delay. Farmers are urged to avoid applying fertilizers and pesticides immediately before rainfall to prevent nutrient loss from leaching. Vulnerable individuals should dress warmly to counter low nighttime temperatures.

Loose objects should be secured to prevent wind damage, and residents should stay clear of tall trees to avoid injuries from falling branches. All electrical appliances should be unplugged during storms.

Airline operators have been urged to obtain detailed, airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for better flight planning. Citizens are encouraged to follow NiMet’s regular updates and visit its official website — www.nimet.gov.ng — for comprehensive forecasts.