The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread thunderstorm activity across at least 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for Thursday, October 1, 2026. The agency released its daily weather outlook on Wednesday evening, September 30, covering the full 24-hour period from midnight to midnight.
Taraba and Northern States Face Thunderstorms
Taraba State is the only northern state expected to experience thunderstorms during the morning hours. By the afternoon and evening, the risk spreads considerably, with isolated thunderstorms and moderate rainfall forecast over parts of Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno, Gombe, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kano, Adamawa, and Taraba States.
The forecast, published on NiMet's official X (formerly Twitter) account, indicates that residents in these northern states should prepare for potential storm activity as the day progresses.
Central and Southern Regions Brace for Storms
In the central region, cloudy skies are expected in the morning, with chances of thunderstorms and light rainfall over parts of Benue, the FCT, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Niger States. In the afternoon and evening, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are forecast for the FCT, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.
Southern states begin the day with overcast conditions and chances of light rain in parts of Akwa Ibom and Cross River. However, the situation intensifies later in the day, with thunderstorms and moderate rainfall expected across a broad stretch of the south, covering Oyo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers States.
NiMet Issues Safety Advisory for Residents and Airlines
NiMet urged residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms and keep away from open spaces, tall trees, and exposed structures. The agency also warned against driving or walking through flooded roads, particularly in low-lying areas.
Residents were advised to secure loose items outdoors ahead of possible strong winds and to unplug sensitive electrical appliances during storms to guard against damage from power surges. Airline operators were separately advised to obtain airport-specific weather data directly from NiMet before planning or conducting flight operations.
According to NiMet, parts of the following states may be affected: Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara.
The advisory comes as part of NiMet's ongoing efforts to provide timely weather information to Nigerians, especially during the rainy season.
