The Federal Government has issued a stern weather alert, forecasting heavy rainfall and potential flooding across 14 states over the next five days, as the rainy season intensifies in parts of the country.
The prediction, released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), warns of significant disruptions and urges residents in affected areas to take precautionary measures.
In its latest seasonal forecast and daily bulletin, NiMet announced that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected from Thursday, September 4, through Monday, September 8, 2025.
The agency highlighted that the downpours could lead to flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas and urban centers with poor drainage systems.
“We are anticipating heavy rainfall in the southern and central regions, which may result in flooding in vulnerable communities,” said NiMet’s Director-General, Prof. Charles Anosike, in a statement.
The 14 states at risk include Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers in the Southeast and South-South zones; Bayelsa and Delta in the South-South; and Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and Taraba in the North-Central region. Specific cities such as Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Asaba, Makurdi, Lafia, Minna, Jos, and Jalingo have been flagged for heightened vigilance due to their susceptibility to waterlogging.
NiMet attributed the forecast to the ongoing progression of the Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD), which is bringing moist air from the Atlantic Ocean northward. Expected conditions include thunderstorms, strong winds, and rainfall accumulations exceeding 50mm in some areas, potentially exacerbating ongoing flood risks amid Nigeria’s challenging 2025 rainy season.
This comes on the heels of recent flooding incidents in several states, which have displaced thousands and damaged infrastructure.
The agency has advised state governments and emergency response teams to activate flood mitigation plans, including clearing drainage channels and evacuating high-risk populations.
Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads, secure properties against water ingress, and monitor local weather updates via NiMet’s platforms.
“Early warning is key to minimizing losses; we call on all stakeholders to act swiftly,” Anosike emphasized.
This forecast aligns with broader climate patterns influenced by La Niña conditions, which NiMet predicts could prolong the rainy season into late October.
The Federal Ministry of Environment has echoed the alert, promising support for affected communities through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users