Nigeria Braces for Heavy Downpour: 10 States at High Risk of Flooding – NiMet

By Ada Samson

…Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano as states at high risk

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its daily weather outlook, forecasting widespread thunderstorms, moderate to heavy rainfall, and potential flash floods across some regions of Nigeria on Monday, 28th July 2025.

The agency has urged residents, particularly in high risk states, to take precautionary measures to avoid weather-related hazards.

The northern region is expected to experience significant weather disruptions, with thunderstorms and moderate rains predicted in the morning across Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina States.

While some areas will start with sunny skies and scattered clouds, the afternoon and evening will bring intensified rainfall, extending to Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States.

NiMet has specifically highlighted Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano as states at high risk of flash floods during the forecast period. Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are advised to be vigilant, as sudden downpours could lead to overflowing rivers, submerged roads, and property damage. Authorities in these states have been alerted to prepare emergency response measures.

In the central region, including Niger, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, and Nasarawa States, cloudy conditions will dominate the morning, accompanied by light to moderate rainfall. As the day progresses, heavier rains are expected in Plateau, Nasarawa, the FCT, Kogi, Benue, and Niger States.

Of particular concern is Plateau State, where NiMet has warned of a “high possibility” of flash floods. Recent incidents of flooding in Jos and its environs have already caused disruptions, and further rainfall could worsen the situation. Motorists are advised to avoid waterlogged roads, while residents in landslide-prone areas should monitor updates from local emergency agencies.

The southern region will start the day under cloudy skies, with rainfall developing later in the afternoon and evening. States such as Ondo, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom are likely to experience light to moderate rains. While the rainfall intensity may be lower compared to the north, localised flooding remains a possibility, especially in urban areas with poor drainage systems.

NiMet has reiterated the need for caution, emphasising risks such as flash floods, strong winds, and possible disruptions to travel and outdoor activities. The agency recommends the following precautions: Motorists should drive carefully, avoid flooded roads, and adhere to safety advisories. Residents in flood-prone areas should move valuables to higher ground and stay updated on weather alerts.
Emergency agencies in affected states should remain on standby for rapid response.

For real-time updates, the public can visit NiMet’s official website or watch the detailed video forecast here.