The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather alert predicting moderate to heavy rainfall in Kaduna, Plateau, and several other states from Tuesday, June 3 to Thursday, June 5, 2025. The agency has warned that the expected heavy rains could cause flash floods, river flooding, soil erosion, strong winds, thunder, and lightning.
NiMet’s impact-based forecast, released on Monday night, highlights the potential dangers posed by the rainfall, including displacement of people, outbreaks of waterborne diseases, and damage to key infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
According to the forecast, on Tuesday, June 3, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over parts of Kaduna and Plateau states. Light to moderate rain will fall across a wide range of states, including Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Lagos, Oyo, Abia, Nasarawa, and Niger. Other areas of the country will experience light rainfall with minimal risk of flooding or other weather hazards.
The rain will intensify on Wednesday, June 4, with moderate to heavy rainfall forecast over states in the South East and Middle Belt, including Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Taraba, Edo, and Cross River. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Nasarawa, Ondo, Plateau, and Kaduna are also expected to receive heavy rains. In addition, light to moderate rainfall will cover areas such as Enugu, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Kogi, Kebbi, Benue, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Osun, Niger, Kwara, Adamawa, and Borno. The rest of the country will see low rainfall with little risk of hazards.
By Thursday, June 5, the rainfall will continue mainly over Adamawa, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Benue states, with moderate to heavy downpours. The FCT, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom will receive light to moderate rain.
NiMet’s forecast serves as a crucial warning to residents and authorities in the affected areas to prepare for potential flooding and related hazards. Flooding during heavy rains has often resulted in damage to homes, roads, bridges, and farmlands in Nigeria, especially in flood-prone zones like Kaduna and Plateau states.
In recent years, flash floods and riverine floods have displaced thousands of people, destroyed properties, and caused outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. The combination of thunder, lightning, and strong winds expected during this period may also increase risks for those living in vulnerable structures.
Residents are advised to take precautionary measures, such as securing loose objects, avoiding flood-prone areas, and following safety instructions from local authorities. Farmers are encouraged to protect their crops and livestock against the adverse effects of heavy rain and wind.
The government and emergency agencies are urged to increase preparedness, including monitoring water levels in rivers, clearing drainage systems, and planning relief efforts for displaced persons in case of flooding.
NiMet’s regular updates and warnings play a vital role in helping Nigerians stay safe and reduce the impacts of severe weather conditions. As the rainy season continues across much of Nigeria, the agency reminds everyone to remain vigilant and heed weather advisories.
In summary, from June 3 to June 5, 2025, many Nigerian states, particularly Kaduna, Plateau, and parts of the South East and Middle Belt, should expect heavy rains and possible flooding. Timely action and cooperation with weather authorities will be key to minimizing damage and ensuring public safety.
