Nigeria will experience a blend of hazy conditions and scattered rainfall from Monday through Wednesday, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) announced on Sunday, warning of reduced visibility in the north and potential flash floods in southern regions that could disrupt travel and daily activities.

According to NiMet’s bulletin issued from its Abuja headquarters, slight dust haze with generally good visibility is expected Monday morning across Borno, Zamfara, northern Kaduna, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina. Conditions are forecast to ease slightly by afternoon. Central states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, and Kogi may see sunny intervals transitioning into isolated thunderstorms and light rain later in the day.

Southern states will begin the week with cloudy skies and isolated showers in Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, intensifying into moderate rainfall by evening across Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Ondo, Osun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.

Tuesday’s forecast maintains similar patterns: dust haze will persist in the north, while Taraba and Adamawa may experience light thunderstorms. Southern states—particularly Rivers, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom—are expected to receive moderate downpours, with NiMet cautioning that these could escalate into flash floods in vulnerable areas.

By Wednesday, clearer skies are anticipated in northern zones, with isolated rain likely in Kogi and the FCT. Southern regions, however, will see thickening cloud cover and afternoon thunderstorms in Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom.

NiMet Director General Charles Anosike emphasized the heightened flood risk in low-lying areas, especially in Akwa Ibom and Rivers, urging local authorities to activate emergency response plans. “Motorists should drive cautiously during rainfall, and individuals with respiratory conditions in the north should limit outdoor exposure due to suspended dust,” Anosike advised. Airlines were also urged to consult tailored airport forecasts to ensure flight safety.

The forecast reflects Nigeria’s transitional weather phase, where harmattan haze begins to clash with residual rainy season patterns. With over 1.3 million people displaced by flooding in 2024, NiMet’s early warnings aim to mitigate repeat disasters.

Residents are encouraged to monitor updates via NiMet’s official website and social media platforms.