The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Wednesday to Friday, with a high likelihood of flooding in several states.

In its weather outlook released in Abuja on Tuesday, NiMet predicted thunderstorms across the northern region on Wednesday, with moderate rainfall expected in parts of Kaduna State.

Later in the day, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected in Bauchi, Gombe, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, Taraba, and Borno states.

For the central region, NiMet projects light rainfall over parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as southern Niger and Kwara states in the morning. Light rainfall is also anticipated in the afternoon and evening in Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Niger, and the FCT.

In the southern region, light morning showers are expected in Enugu, Anambra, Imo, and Akwa Ibom states, with continuous rainfall forecast across the entire region later in the day.

On Thursday, morning thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected in Taraba, Kebbi, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Gombe states in the North. Later in the day, thunderstorms are likely in Kaduna, Borno, Yobe, Kebbi, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi.

Benue State is likely to experience light rainfall in the morning, while the afternoon and evening may bring intermittent light rain to the FCT, Niger, Benue, Kogi, Plateau, and Nasarawa.

In the South, light morning showers are forecast in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Ondo, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states, with widespread light rain expected later in the day.

On Friday, the agency expects morning thunderstorms with moderate rain across parts of Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Adamawa, Borno, and Kaduna states. Isolated thunderstorms are expected later in the day across Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, and the wider North-West.

NiMet warned of a high risk of flooding in parts of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna states.

In the central region, thunderstorms and intermittent rainfall are forecast throughout the day, with flood risks in Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, and Plateau.

Similarly, the southern region is expected to witness thunderstorms and intermittent rainfall, with a high flood risk in Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, and Cross River states.

The agency advised motorists to avoid driving in heavy rain and urged emergency services in high-risk areas to remain on standby. It also cautioned farmers to delay fertiliser and pesticide application to prevent nutrient leaching.

NiMet urged the public to keep vulnerable individuals warm due to lower night-time temperatures and to secure loose objects against wind damage. People are also advised to unplug electrical appliances and avoid sheltering under tall trees.

Airline operators are encouraged to obtain airport-specific weather briefings for flight planning.

The agency advised the public to stay updated through its official website: www.nimet.gov.ng.