The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather alert predicting widespread heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across various parts of the country from Wednesday, September 9, through Friday, September 11, 2026.

The agency specifically warned residents of Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states of a high risk of flash flooding during this period.

Regional Weather Forecast Breakdown

  • Northern Region: Expected to experience morning thunderstorms and light rains in Kebbi and Taraba on Wednesday, extending to Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna by afternoon. Rain activities will persist through Friday with strong convective winds.

  • North-Central Region: Morning light rains across Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), progressing to moderate afternoon and evening downpours across the entire region through Friday.

  • Southern Region: Continuous cloudy conditions with widespread moderate-to-heavy rains predicted across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Enugu, and Ebonyi.

NiMet's Safety Guidelines & Precautions

  • Activate Emergency Systems: Emergency management bodies in flood-prone states are urged to immediately activate response protocols.

  • Avoid Driving: Drivers should stay off the roads during intense downpours to avoid flood hazards and low visibility.

  • Disconnect Appliances: Citizens are advised to unplug electrical equipment during thunderstorms to prevent surge damage.

  • Stay Clear of Trees: Avoid standing near tall trees, billboards, or loose overhead structures to prevent injury from falling branches caused by strong winds.

  • Aviation Safety: Flight operators are instructed to obtain updated airport-specific weather reports before scheduling flights.