NiMet Warns Airlines to Prepare for Isolated Thunderstorms and Light Rains

December 29, 2025 at 09:14 AM•3 min read

Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) issued a three-day weather outlook predicting sunny skies nationwide but warned airlines to prepare for isolated thunderstorms and light rains

Key Points

1NiMet predicts sunny skies for Northern and Central Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday, indicating favorable flying conditions in those regions.
2The primary risk to aviation is in Southern Nigeria, where NiMet forecasts prospects of isolated thunderstorms and light rains across 12 states, which are known to cause flight delays.
3The agency issued a direct advisory urging airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) for effective operational planning and safety.
4Weather-related issues, particularly thunderstorms, account for a significant percentage of flight disruptions in Nigerian aviation operations, underscoring the importance of this three-day outlook.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released a crucial three-day weather outlook for the country.

The NiMet weather forecast spans from Monday to Wednesday. It predicts a mix of sunny and cloudy conditions across all regions. This forecast is vital for Nigerian aviation operations.

Regional Forecast Details

Northern and Central Regions

NiMet anticipates sunny skies over the entire northern region. This condition is expected to last throughout the forecast period. The central region will see sunny skies with only a few patches of clouds. This generally favorable weather supports smooth flight planning.

Southern Region Risks

The southern region faces the primary weather challenge. NiMet anticipates sunny skies with patches of clouds. However, the forecast includes prospects of isolated thunderstorms and light rains later in the day. These conditions are expected over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Imo, Abia, and Osun States. Similar conditions are expected for Tuesday and Wednesday in the southern states. This is a key concern for Nigerian aviation operations.

Aviation Operational Impact

Adverse weather is a major factor in flight delays and cancellations in Nigeria. Industry data shows that weather-related disruptions account for over 60% of such issues. Thunderstorms pose a significant threat to safety and operational efficiency. They can reduce visibility and cause turbulence, especially near airports.

NiMet, a parastatal under the Ministry of Aviation, provides aeronautical meteorological services. The agency is ISO 9001:2015 certified for these services. This certification ensures its products meet international standards. NiMet's role is critical for risk mitigation in commercial aviation news and operations (https://flying.flights).

Guidance for Airline Operators

NiMet specifically advised airline operators to take precautions. Operators must obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet. This NiMet flight documentation is essential for effective operational planning. Pilots and air traffic controllers must adhere strictly to published aerodrome weather minima. The agency also warned residents to drive with caution under rain.

Risk: Isolated thunderstorms can cause significant flight delays and cancellations.
Mitigation: Airline operators must use NiMet’s flight documentation for planning.
Safety: Reduced visibility from rain and thunderstorms requires strict adherence to operating limits. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) mandates this compliance.

NiMet's timely warning allows airlines to adjust schedules. This proactive approach helps minimize passenger inconvenience. It also ensures the highest level of safety in Nigeria’s airspace. The agency continues to modernize its infrastructure to improve forecasting accuracy.