The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has forecasted heavy rainfall in 14 states across Nigeria this week.
The states expected to experience significant downpours are Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Delta, Imo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Ekiti, and Osun.
NiMet explained that this prediction is due to a strong Madden-Julian Oscillation over the West African region, which will enhance moisture influx and velocity divergence, leading to heavy rainfall.
The forecast, valid from June 18 to June 24, 2024, stated, “During the week, the Madden-Julian Oscillation is expected to be strong within the week over the West African region. Good moisture influx and velocity divergence is expected to enhance the prospects of heavy rainfall over parts of Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Delta, Imo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Ekiti, and Osun states.”
In addition to these states, NiMet also highlighted that moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated in Zamfara, Kano, Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra.
However, the agency predicted lower rainfall over parts of Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, and Yobe states. The rest of the country is expected to experience low to moderate rainfall.
NiMet warned that the heavy rains could lead to flash floods, advising the public to take safety precautions. “There are prospects of flash floods on roads, bridges, and low-lying areas which can disrupt vehicular traffic. The public is advised to take necessary safety precautions; do not walk through fast-flowing runoff waters,” the agency cautioned.
The bulletin also provided temperature forecasts. It stated that maximum temperatures ranging from 35-40°C are expected in parts of Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno states. Temperatures between 30-35°C are anticipated in Kaduna, Plateau, Taraba, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states, while the rest of the country is expected to experience temperatures between 25-30°C.
For minimum temperatures, NiMet predicted 15-20°C in parts of Plateau state, and 25-30°C in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, and Borno states. The remaining parts of the country are expected to experience temperatures ranging from 20-25°C.
