Nigeria Braces for Early Rainfall and Extreme Weather Conditions
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a significant weather forecast predicting early rainfall across no fewer than fifteen states in Nigeria. This announcement comes with warnings about extreme weather conditions expected to impact various regions of the country in the coming months.
Minister Keyamo's Warning to Farmers
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has specifically addressed farmers in affected states, urging them to exercise caution and delay planting activities. Despite the prediction of early rainfall, Keyamo emphasized that the actual rainy season has not yet commenced and that farmers should avoid rushing into planting seeds prematurely.
The minister made this crucial announcement during the unveiling of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Abuja on Tuesday. He revealed that extreme weather is expected to occur between March and May of this year, creating potentially hazardous conditions for agricultural activities.
States Affected by Early Rainfall Predictions
According to NiMet's forecast, the following states are expected to experience early rainfall:
- Kano State
- Niger State
- Rivers State
- Bayelsa State
- Lagos State
- Ten additional states across Nigeria
Keyamo acknowledged that some early rain has already been observed in Lagos, Rivers, and Bayelsa states, as well as other parts of the country. However, he stressed that this does not signal the beginning of the proper rainy season.
2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction Details
The comprehensive 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction provides detailed insights into expected weather patterns across Nigeria:
Normal annual rainfall amounts are anticipated in most parts of Nigeria compared to the long-term average. However, specific regions will experience variations from this norm.
States expected to receive above-normal rainfall include:
- Borno State
- Sokoto State
- Kebbi State
- Kaduna State
- Enugu State
- Cross River State
- Abia State
- Ebonyi State
- Akwa Ibom State
- Federal Capital Territory
Conversely, the following states are predicted to experience below-normal rainfall:
- Katsina State
- Zamfara State
- Kwara State
- Oyo State
- Ogun State
Little Dry Season Predictions
The Seasonal Climate Prediction also forecasts the Little Dry Season (LDS), commonly known as the 'August Break.' This dry period is expected to begin in late July 2026 and will be particularly severe and prolonged in:
- Lagos State
- Ogun State
- Ekiti State
- Parts of Oyo State
The number of days with little or no rainfall during this period is projected to range between 28 and 40 days. A moderate LDS effect is anticipated over Ondo State, parts of Kwara State, and Edo State.
Previous Weather Patterns and Current Alerts
This latest forecast follows previous weather predictions from NiMet, including thunderstorms and moderate rainfall that affected large parts of Nigeria on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The agency has also issued flood alerts for Niger and Kogi states, urging residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution.
NiMet has advised nationwide caution, warning of potential strong winds, reduced visibility, and disruptions to daily activities. The agency continues to monitor weather patterns closely and will provide updates as conditions develop.
Residents and motorists across Nigeria are urged to exercise particular caution in flood-prone areas and during periods of reduced visibility. The combination of early rainfall predictions and extreme weather warnings necessitates increased preparedness across affected regions.
