The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has given reasons for the high temperature experienced by residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Kogi and few other states.

The current maximum temperature in the listed states is 40°C, and the minimum is 23°C.

The Seasonal Climate Prediction released last month by the agency shows that most of the northern and central states would record day-time temperatures of 37°C to 40°C, while parts of Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Plateau in the North and Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, part of Cross River and Delta States are expected to record temperatures of 34°C to 37°C this month.

The agency, while attributing the high temperature to climate change, urged for a lifestyle switch.

Residents in the states experiencing high temperatures have also been advised to avoid exposure to direct sunlight between 12 pm and 3 pm.

There are also indications that 2025 may be hotter than 2024, which was described as the hottest year.

The Director of Weather Services at NiMet, Prof. Vincent Weli, disclosed this to The Nation on Monday in a telephone chat.

He said, “Everything Is embedded in the climate change theory. Every experience we are having now is a result of climate change. The heat, in general, is because of climate change.

“Abuja, Lokoja, and Minna are located within the same ecological zone, and these towns share the same weather pattern. Whatever happens to Lokoja will affect Minna and Abuja because they are In the same route of the flow of wind and also lie within the same climatic zone. Also, these towns have the same vegetation pattern.

“So, since they are within the same climatic belt, everything that affects Minna, FCT, will affect Lokoja accordingly. The heat is affecting everywhere, not just these towns mentioned. We said last year was the hottest in the history of the earth, but this year is already trying to beat it to become the hottest.

“So, as the year increases, it’s obvious that we are going to have higher temperatures. I don’t know where we are headed with this trend, but something needs to be done to reverse the trend.”

On how the trend can be reversed, Prof Weli said: “What can reverse the trend is for us to encourage every activity of man that will reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere such as electric cars, solar power and planting of trees.

“These will be other sources of energy other than the use of diesel and petrol and other hydrocarbon compounds that we use as a source of power. Also, we should plant more trees to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The more we plant trees, the more we remove carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the more we increase the oxygen”.

On what should be done by residents of the states with high temperatures, Prof. Weli said: “In order not to experience what we call heat stroke, people should drink more water often, keep themselves off the direct impact of sunlight between 12 pm and 3 pm. If people do not expose their bodies to the direct impact of sunlight, it will reduce water loss from the system.

“So, people should drink more water than necessary. Otherwise, their systems will be dehydrated, and that will cause secondary health issues”. (The Nation)