NiMet Issues Severe Thunderstorm, Heavy Rainfall Alert Across Nigeria
By IDNN Weather & Infrastructure Desk
Published: June 8, 2025
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued an urgent weather outlook warning of thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall expected to affect vast areas of northern, central, and southern Nigeria from Sunday, June 8 to Tuesday, June 11.
The agency cautioned that strong winds accompanying the storms could endanger lives and damage property, urging residents to take safety precautions and monitor official updates.
“Ensure loose objects are fastened. Avoid driving during downpours. Stay indoors during thunderstorms,” NiMet advised.
Affected Zones: What to Expect
According to NiMet’s forecast:
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North-East & North-West: Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Zamfara will experience morning thunderstorms, followed by late-day rainfall.
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North-Central: Cloudy mornings with later-day rainfall expected across FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and Plateau.
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Southern Nigeria: Cloudy starts will give way to widespread evening showers in Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, and Lagos.
Monday–Tuesday Outlook
NiMet projected continued rainfall into Monday and Tuesday, with:
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Monday: Thunderstorms in Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, and widespread rainfall in Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, and Borno.
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Tuesday: Isolated morning storms in Zamfara and Kaduna, with rain moving eastward to Taraba and Gombe by afternoon.
Airline operators were urged to obtain airport-specific forecasts to ensure safe flight planning.
Public Safety Measures
NiMet warned of:
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Flood risks in low-lying and poorly drained areas
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Visibility hazards for motorists
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Flight disruptions due to atmospheric instability
“Disconnect appliances during thunderstorms. Stay away from trees. Don’t wade into floodwaters,” the advisory stressed.