The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a critical weather alert predicting widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across most parts of the country on Monday, September 7, 2026. The agency warned that the impending downpour could spark localized flooding and significant travel disruptions, especially within low-lying communities and urban areas with poor drainage networks.

According to the agency’s 24-hour national forecast, the unstable weather patterns will begin early in the day. Morning thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall are expected to hit parts of Adamawa, Kebbi, and Taraba states in the far north. The agency further noted that the rest of the Northern region is projected to experience a continuation of these intense weather conditions well into the afternoon and evening hours.

In the Central region, residents and commuters are similarly urged to prepare for a wet day. The weather agency forecast morning thunderstorms with light rainfall in some locations, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Kwara states. NiMet added that this light precipitation will transition into heavier, moderate rainfall across most parts of the middle belt later in the day.

For the southern parts of the country, the weather outlook shows a slightly different but equally wet dynamic. NiMet predicted predominantly cloudy conditions with light rainfall during the morning hours in parts of Ebonyi, Edo, Delta, Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa states. As the day progresses, light rainfall is expected to persist across the South-East, South-South, and South-West regions through the afternoon and evening.

In light of the hazardous weather, NiMet cautioned that the moderate rainfall, especially across the Northern and Central regions, could lead to temporary water accumulation on major roads. Low-lying communities are at a high risk of flash floods. Consequently, emergency management authorities are expected to be on high alert to handle any sudden displacement of residents or infrastructure compromises.

To mitigate risks, the agency strongly advised citizens to take immediate personal safety precautions. Residents were told to stay away from open spaces, avoid standing under trees or tall masts during thunderstorms, and seek shelter in structurally safe locations. Furthermore, NiMet recommended disconnecting sensitive electrical appliances where necessary to prevent damage from potential lightning strikes and power surges.

Motorists and pedestrians have also been urged to exercise extreme caution when navigating urban roads and highways. The weather agency noted that the heavy rainfall could drastically reduce visibility and make roads exceptionally slippery. Drivers were explicitly warned against the danger of attempting to drive or walk through flooded roads and overflowing streams, which can easily sweep vehicles away.

Finally, the adverse weather conditions are expected to impact logistics and transportation beyond the road networks. NiMet has advised airline operators to strictly obtain airport-specific weather information from the agency to support safe flight planning and operations. This measure is crucial to preventing flight delays, diversions, or weather-related aviation hazards during this period of atmospheric instability.