The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its predictions for the 2025 rainy season in Nigeria. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Rainfall Patterns
The rainfall patterns are expected to vary across different regions of the country. Here’s what you can expect:
Southern States: Early rainfall onset, with high rainfall amounts (2700-3010 mm) expected in Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states.
Northern States: Delayed rainfall onset, with lower rainfall amounts (<685 mm) expected in Sokoto, Katsina, and Kano states.
Central States: Normal to below-average rainfall expected, with 970-1500 mm of rainfall predicted.
Flooding Risks
Some areas are at higher risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall and storm surges. These include:
Coastal Cities: Lagos and Port Harcourt are at higher risk of flooding.
Bayelsa State: May experience flooding due to prolonged rainfall (up to 290 days).
Dry Spells
Some areas are expected to experience dry spells, including:
Oyo State: Severe dry spells (>15 days) expected in Saki, Iseyin, Ogbomosho, and Atisbo.
Other States: Moderate dry spells (up to 15 days) predicted in Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.
Little Dry Season (LDS)
The LDS is predicted to begin by late July, with:
Severe Conditions: Expected in Lagos and Ogun states (27-40 rain-free days).
Moderate Effects: Expected in Ogun, Oyo, and Ekiti states.
Preparation Tips
To prepare for the 2025 rainy season, consider the following:
Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and updates from NiMet.
Flood Preparedness: Residents in flood-prone areas should take necessary precautions, such as evacuating to safer areas if needed.
Agricultural Planning: Farmers should plan accordingly, taking into account the predicted rainfall patterns.
By staying informed and prepared, you can minimize the risks associated with the 2025 rainy season.
