NiMet Predicts Early Rainfall In Rivers, Kogi, 12 Others

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted early onset of rainfall in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Oyo, and parts of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, and Taraba States.

The agency also predicted a late onset of rainfall over Borno State, warning that the rainfall witnessed in some parts of the country should not be considered as early onset yet as it was false rainfall.

Speaking at the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, a yearly event that usher in rain and farming season, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, said “We have already seen some significant rains across the southern parts of the country this year. Let me reiterate that these should not be taken to mean that the rainy season has started in these places. Those engaged in rainfed agriculture and other rainfall-dependent activities in Nigeria are therefore advised to refer to the predicted onset dates
in this publication or consult NiMet for proper guidance.

“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.

“A longer-than-normal length of rainy season is expected in Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe and Taraba 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 the long-term average. Above-normal rainfall is
expected 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 is expected.”

The minister further stated that, “During the season of March to May, severe dry spells exceeding 15 days are likely in parts of Oyo and Ogun States, while moderate dry spells are expected over Ekiti, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, and Delta states, as well as 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 would 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.

“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 2026.”

Also, speaking at the event, the director general of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the agency has developed partnerships with government and non-governmental organisations, who have been critical in downscaling the SCP document to local farmers in various states, noting that “We are working assiduously to fast-track the deployment of digital advisory services in partnership with local and international collaborators.”