By GABRIEL AGBEJA

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a longer-than-normal length of rainy season in Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe and Taraba states in 2026.

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed this during the Public Presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Keyamo said NiMet revealed that early onset is expected in Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Oyo, and parts of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, and Taraba States.

“While a late onset is expected over Borno State. Rainfall cessation is anticipated to be earlier than normal in parts of Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Kogi and Niger states.

“However, a delayed end of season is expected in Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa and Kaduna states.

“Whereas, parts of Borno, Yobe and Niger states are expected to have a shorter-than-normal length of rainy season. A normal annual rainfall amount is anticipated in most parts of Nigeria compared to long-term average,” the agency said.

It forecast above-normal rainfall in Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Enugu, Cross River, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom states, and the Federal Capital Territory; while in parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun states, below-normal rainfall would be expected.

The agency anticipated severe dry spells exceeding 15 days in parts of Oyo and Ogun states during the season of March to May.

NiMet also predicted moderate dry spells over Ekiti, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, and Delta states, parts of Kogi and Kwara states.

“Furthermore, during the June-July-August season, a severe dry spell that may last up to 21 days is predicted for parts of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara states.

“The Little Dry Season (LDS), also known as ‘August Break,’ is predicted to begin by late July and will be severe and prolonged over Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti and parts of Oyo states.

“The number of days with little or no rainfall will range between 28 and 40 days. A moderate LDS effect is expected over Ondo, parts of Kwara and Edo states,” it noted.

According to the agency, both daytime and nighttime temperatures are predicted to be warmer than the long-term average over most parts of the country in January, February, March, and May.

“Some significant rains across the southern parts of the country this year should not be taken to mean that the rainy season has started in these places.

“Those engaged in rained agriculture and other rainfall-dependent activities in Nigeria are therefore advised to refer to the predicted onset dates in the publication or consult NiMet for proper guidance,” the agency added. (NAN)

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