NiMet Predicts Early Rainfall for 2026 Season in Nigeria, Urges Farmers to Delay Planting

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted an early onset of rainfall for the 2026 season in Nigeria, cautioning farmers to delay planting to avoid extreme weather conditions. The predictions indicate significant rainfall across the southern part of the country, with variations in onset and cessation timings in different states.

Some states are expected to experience longer or shorter than normal rainy seasons, with above-normal rainfall anticipated in certain regions. Dr.

Yakubu Adamu Farmata, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, highlighted the importance of NiMet's climate predictions in empowering decision-makers with credible information for timely actions. Festus Keyamo, SAN, made the disclosure during the unveiling of the 2026 season climate predictions in Abuja.

The report also mentions the likelihood of dry spells lasting up to 21 days in specific states during the season.