Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued a weather alert covering 22 states, forecasting thunderstorms and varying intensities of rainfall across the country on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, while warning residents in low‑lying and flood‑prone areas to remain vigilant against possible localised flooding. The advisory, contained in NiMet’s Daily Weather Outlook posted on its X handle on Tuesday, August 11, paints a picture of a nation bracing for a day of volatile weather, with thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall expected to sweep through the northern, central and southern regions.
In the northern states, the agency predicts patches of clouds in the morning, with thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall expected over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna and Kano. As the day progresses into the afternoon and evening, the forecast expands to include thunderstorms with moderate rainfall over parts of Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa and Taraba. The central region will not be spared, with NiMet forecasting cloud patches across the North‑Central zone in the morning, followed by thunderstorms and light rainfall over parts of Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory, before moderate rainfall spreads across most of the region in the afternoon and evening.
For the southern states, the outlook is equally concerning. Cloudy skies are expected in the morning, with chances of light rainfall over parts of Ondo, as well as the South‑South and South‑East regions. By the afternoon and evening, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom, while light to moderate rainfall is anticipated across the remaining parts of the southern region. NiMet warned that strong winds, lightning and reduced visibility may accompany the thunderstorms, urging residents to take necessary safety precautions.
Beyond the daily forecast, NiMet has also issued a more ominous warning of possible flash floods in 13 states between August 11 and 20, 2026. The agency, in an advisory posted on its X handle on Tuesday, listed Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Taraba, Cross River and Akwa Ibom as states at high risk of flash flooding. The advisory is based on forecast rainfall intensity, soil moisture, drainage capacity, terrain and dam characteristics, and is intended to support early preparedness, emergency response and disaster risk reduction.
The agency warned that flash floods could occur in flood‑prone, low‑lying, urban and riverside communities, with possible impacts including road closures, traffic congestion and transport disruptions. Flooding could also temporarily disrupt electricity and telecommunications services, while heavy rainfall could reduce visibility and affect road and aviation operations. Waterlogging could damage farmlands, crops and livestock, while flash floods could destroy roads, bridges, drainage systems and other critical infrastructure. Stagnant floodwaters could also increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
NiMet has urged residents to follow weather forecasts and flood alerts from the agency and emergency management authorities, and to avoid walking or driving through flooded roads, bridges or fast‑flowing water. People in vulnerable areas are advised to remain alert and be prepared to relocate to safer locations if necessary. The agency also urged emergency management authorities to strengthen surveillance, pre‑position response teams and maintain emergency preparedness, while advising farmers to improve drainage on their farms and move livestock, machinery and harvested produce away from flood‑prone areas.
For motorists, NiMet offered a clear and urgent warning: “Motorists should exercise caution during rainfall and avoid driving through flooded roads or areas with rapidly flowing water”. The agency also advised airline operators to obtain updated weather information and advisories from NiMet for effective planning and safe operations.
The 13‑state flash flood warning comes on the heels of a broader advisory issued earlier in August, in which NiMet identified 27 states as being at high risk of flash flooding due to heavy rainfall and saturated soils. The agency noted that weeks of persistent rainfall have left the ground heavily saturated, making it difficult for the soil to absorb additional water. As a result, even a few hours of intense rainfall could trigger flash floods, especially in low‑lying communities, urban centres and places with poor drainage.
The impacts of flash flooding, NiMet warned, could be severe. Flooded roads could cause traffic congestion and disrupt transportation. Roads and bridges could become submerged or damaged. Visibility for motorists and aviation operations could be reduced during heavy rainfall. Electricity and telecommunications services could experience temporary disruptions. Farmlands could be flooded, putting crops and livestock at risk. And stagnant floodwaters could increase the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
The agency has urged residents in flood‑prone communities to take preventive measures before heavy rainfall occurs, including clearing drains and waterways, avoiding floodwaters, protecting property, preparing emergency kits and maintaining good hygiene. As Nigeria enters the peak of its rainy season, the message from NiMet is clear: the weather is unpredictable, and the risks are real. For the millions of Nigerians living in flood‑prone areas, the only defence is awareness, preparedness and a willingness to act before the waters rise.
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