NiMet Predicts Extended Rainy Season for 13 States

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a longer-than-normal rainy season for 13 states in Nigeria, including Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe, and Taraba. During a public presentation on the 2026 seasonal climate prediction in Abuja, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed that an early onset of rainfall is expected in states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Oyo, while a late onset is anticipated in Borno State.

The agency forecasts a cessation of rainfall earlier than normal in parts of Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Imo. NiMet also predicts a shorter-than-normal rainy season for parts of Borno, Yobe, and Niger states, with rainfall amounts expected to vary across the country.

Severe dry spells exceeding 15 days are anticipated in parts of Oyo and Ogun, while moderate dry spells are expected in Ekiti, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, and Cross River. The agency warns of a significant dry spell lasting up to 21 days in parts of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.