NiMet Forecasts Flooding, Thunderstoms in Advisory for Farmers

News in brief: -NiMet forecasts heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Nigeria, with flash floods expected in Bayelsa, Rivers, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom, posing risks to farmers and residents.

-The agency advises farmers to delay fertiliser and pesticide application, motorists to drive cautiously, and households to stay alert to prevent accidents and losses during the rainy season.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently issued a fresh warning of heavy rains, thunderstorms, and possible flash floods in several parts of the country. The forecast, which covers Monday, September 22, to Wednesday, September 24, 2025, highlights risks for motorists, farmers, and communities living in flood-prone areas.

Heavy Rains Expected in the North

NiMet predicts that northern states will experience isolated thunderstorms and light showers on Monday morning, beginning in Adamawa and Taraba. As the day progresses, heavier rains are expected in Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, southern Borno, and Taraba.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, cloudy skies mixed with sunshine will dominate, but thunderstorms and rain are still forecast for parts of Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Adamawa, Katsina, and Sokoto.

For farmers in these areas, the rainfall could be both a blessing and a challenge. While it supports crop growth, excessive rains can waterlog farmlands, especially for crops like maize and cassava, reducing yields.

Central States to See Persistent Rainfall

In the central region, including Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Benue, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory, cloudy skies with early morning sunshine are expected on Monday. This will later give way to thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across most of the region.

NiMet notes that this wet pattern will likely persist into Wednesday, with Plateau and Nasarawa receiving significant rainfall. Farmers in these states have been urged to plan fertiliser and pesticide application carefully, as heavy rains can wash away nutrients and chemicals from the soil, leading to poor harvests.

Southern States Face Flood Threats

In the southern states, residents should prepare for cloudy skies and light rains on Monday morning across Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom. By afternoon and evening, most parts of the South are expected to witness thunderstorms with moderate rainfall.

NiMet specifically warned of flash flood risks in Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States. Local authorities have been advised to activate emergency response measures to protect lives and property.

Similar conditions will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday in Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Anambra, and Enugu, with heavy rainfall expected to persist.

Safety Advice for Nigerians

NiMet also issued practical safety tips for different groups:

• Motorists should drive cautiously during rain to avoid accidents from slippery roads and poor visibility.
• Farmers are advised not to apply fertiliser or pesticides just before rainfall, as these can easily be washed away, wasting money and harming soil health.
• Households should disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms to prevent damage from power surges.
• Residents are urged to avoid standing under tall trees or weak structures that could collapse in strong winds.
• Airlines are encouraged to rely on NiMet’s airport-specific weather updates for safe flight planning.

In a statement, NiMet reassured Nigerians: “We urge the public to remain calm but cautious. Staying updated with daily weather information remains the safest approach during this rainy season.”