Katsina Dispels Equinox Temperature Surge Rumours, Calls For Calm

The Katsina State Secretariat on Climate Change (KSSCC) has issued a public advisory, cautioning residents against false reports circulating on social media, claiming that an upcoming equinox event will result in extreme temperatures of 45 to 50 degrees Celsius between March 21 and 23, 2025.

In a statement signed by Professor Mohammed Al-Amin, Special Adviser on Climate Change to the Katsina State Governor, the Secretariat clarified that the equinox, a normal astronomical event occurring twice a year in March and September, does not bring the sun closer to the Earth or cause sudden temperature surges.

“Our experts have confirmed that the Earth’s distance from the sun varies slightly due to its elliptical orbit, with the closest point (perihelion) occurring in January, not March.

“The claim that temperatures will reach between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius is exaggerated and not supported by credible meteorological forecasts,” the statement reads.

While Nigeria typically experiences high temperatures during the dry season, with averages ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius in March, predictions of 50 degrees would break historical records.

The secretariat reassured the public that there was no cause for alarm.

However, the KSSCC endorsed several heat safety measures shared in the viral message, advising residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear light-coloured clothing, and ensure proper ventilation, especially in crowded spaces.

The advisory also highlighted the importance of these precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses and reduce the risk of meningitis transmission.

In addition to dispelling the false claims, the secretariat commended the Katsina State Government under the leadership of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda for taking proactive measures against climate change challenges.

These include capacity-building training for government officials, enhancing agricultural development, and strengthening partnerships with international organizations like the UNDP to establish high-resolution weather monitoring stations.

The government’s ambitious environmental initiatives, such as social forestry and large-scale three-planting programmes, aim to reduce ambient temperatures, combat desertification, and improve water management.

Plans are also underway to harvest and retain 40% of the state’s annual rainfall, boosting irrigation farming by 400% between 2025 and 2027.

As Katsina continues to tackle climate change head-on, the Secretariat urged residents to stay informed through credible sources like the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and become climate-response ambassadors in their communities.

“The welfare and security of our people remain the government’s top priority,” the statement concluded.