NiMet Warns Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta of Early Rainfall and Flood Risk
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued an early warning that Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Rivers, and nine other states will experience early rainfall in 2025, with a high risk of flash floods in coastal cities.
According to NiMet’s 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), while some states in the South will see early rainfall, eight northern states—including Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara—will experience delays in the onset of the rainy season.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), presented the report in Abuja, highlighting that rainfall in coastal areas such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and parts of Delta will begin between February 23 and March 10. Rainfall cessation across Nigeria will occur between October 6 and December 17. High-intensity rainfall in May and June may trigger flash floods in major coastal cities. Most parts of the country will experience normal to below-normal rainfall compared to historical averages.
The report also predicts prolonged dry spells across different regions. Between April and August, some parts of Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom will experience a dry spell lasting up to 15 days. Between June and August, northern states may see extreme dry conditions lasting up to 21 days. The August Break (Little Dry Season) will be severe in Lagos and Ogun, with little or no rainfall for 27 to 40 days.
NiMet forecasts higher-than-average temperatures across most parts of Nigeria between February and May. However, April will be slightly cooler than normal, except in northern states where temperatures will remain high.
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Keyamo emphasized that the SCP serves as an early warning system for government agencies, farmers, and disaster response teams, saying, “Timely climate predictions will enable farmers to optimize farming schedules, improve food security, and help emergency responders prepare for potential hazards associated with extreme weather patterns.”
The Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, called for collaboration among stakeholders, stating that early warning messages will be distributed nationwide to mitigate disaster risks. Similarly, NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, acknowledged that climate forecasts have been crucial in reducing the devastation caused by annual floods in Nigeria.
With the 2025 rainy season approaching, residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to take precautions to minimize risks.
