Early Rainfall, Longer Wet Season Expected In Parts Of Nigeria – NiMet
Early Onset Predicted in Southern, North-Central States
THE Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast an early onset of rains in several southern and North-Central states, with parts of the country expected to experience a longer-than-normal rainy season in 2026.
The projection was unveiled in Abuja during the public presentation of NiMet’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP). The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the outlook as a strategic planning tool aligned with national development priorities.
According to NiMet, early rainfall is expected in Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Oyo states. Parts of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa and Taraba are also projected to witness early onset. However, Borno State is likely to experience delayed rains.
Longer Wet Season in Key States
NiMet projected a longer-than-normal rainy season in Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe and Taraba states. Conversely, parts of Borno, Yobe and Niger states are expected to record shorter rainy seasons.
Rainfall cessation is predicted to occur earlier than usual in parts of Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Kogi and Niger states. Meanwhile, Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa and Kaduna may experience delayed cessation of rainfall.
The agency anticipates normal annual rainfall across most parts of the country. However, above-normal rainfall is projected for Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Enugu, Cross River, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and the Federal Capital Territory. Below-normal rainfall is expected in parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, Oyo and Ogun states.
Dry Spells and August Break Warning
NiMet warned of severe dry spells lasting up to 21 days in parts of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara states.
The August break — a temporary dry period common in southern Nigeria — is projected to be severe and prolonged in Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti and parts of Oyo states, lasting between 28 and 40 days.
In addition, both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to be warmer than the long-term average nationwide between January and May 2026.
NiMet’s Director-General, Prof. Charles Anosike, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing science-based climate information to guide agriculture, aviation, infrastructure planning and disaster risk management amid Nigeria’s increasingly variable climate conditions.
