NiMet Warns of Nationwide Thunderstorms as Lagos, FCT, Rivers, Kano, Others Brace for Heavy Rains

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nigerian Meteorological Agency) has issued a fresh three-day weather alert forecasting widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across several parts of the country between Tuesday, June 9, and Thursday, June 11, 2026.

In its outlook released through the Central Forecast Office on Monday, NiMet cautioned that unstable atmospheric conditions would affect multiple regions, urging residents, motorists, airline operators, and emergency services to take precautionary measures.

Northern Region to Experience Isolated Storms
According to the forecast, northern states are expected to witness mostly sunny conditions with intermittent cloud cover, but with isolated morning thunderstorms in some locations.

By afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are expected in Kano, Jigawa, Borno, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Zamfara, Yobe, and Katsina States throughout the forecast period.

North-Central States on Alert

For the North-Central zone, NiMet projected a mix of cloudy conditions and sunshine intervals, with thunderstorms and rainfall likely later in the day.

The FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi States are expected to be particularly affected by late-day storm activity.

Southern States to See Widespread Rainfall
In the southern region, cloudy skies will dominate, with isolated morning showers expected in coastal areas such as Rivers, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.

However, NiMet warned that thunderstorms and moderate rainfall will become more widespread as the day progresses across southern Nigeria during the three-day period.

By Thursday, storm activity is expected to intensify in Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States, especially in the morning hours, while moderate rainfall may extend to Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Edo States later in the day.

The agency warned that strong winds may precede thunderstorms and advised residents to secure loose objects to prevent damage.

Motorists were urged to avoid driving during heavy rainfall due to reduced visibility and heightened road safety risks.

NiMet also advised the public to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms and avoid sheltering under trees because of possible falling branches or collapse during severe weather conditions.

Airline operators were further encouraged to obtain airport-specific weather updates for safe flight planning.

The agency reiterated its call for Nigerians to regularly monitor official weather updates as conditions continue to evolve across the country.