The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Monday to Wednesday, warning of a high risk of flash floods in several states.

According to its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms and moderate rainfall on Monday in parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Katsina States. These weather conditions are expected to persist into the afternoon and evening across the entire northern region, with a high likelihood of flooding in Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi States.

In the North-Central region, light rain is expected in the morning over Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa. Later in the day, rain is anticipated in Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Niger, Benue and the FCT.

Over the southern region, cloudy skies are expected in the morning with light rain likely across Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa. These conditions are set to continue into the afternoon and evening, with flooding risks in Oyo, Ogun, Edo and Delta States.

For Tuesday, morning thunderstorms are forecast in Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna and Zamfara, with similar conditions expected in the afternoon across the wider northern region.

The central region will experience intermittent light rain throughout the day in the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Benue. In the South, intermittent rain is likely across Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom, with flood risks in Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

On Wednesday, thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are forecast over Taraba and Kaduna in the morning, with isolated storms expected later in Borno, Bauchi, Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano and Adamawa. The North-Central region will see morning rain in Nasarawa, Niger and the FCT, followed by light rain later in the day across the same states as well as Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Benue.

In the South, intermittent rain will persist in Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Lagos, Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River, with Bayelsa flagged for potential flooding.

NiMet advised the public to avoid driving during heavy rainfall and urged communities in high-risk areas to activate emergency response plans. The agency also encouraged residents to: wear warm clothing at night due to low temperatures; fasten loose objects to prevent damage during storms; unplug electrical appliances; and stay away from tall trees to avoid falling branches.

Airline operators are advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning. Members of the public can access regular weather updates at www.nimet.gov.ng.