- Nigerian Meteorological Agency forecasts a longer rainy season in Lagos, Enugu and 11 other states in 2026
- Early rainfall onset is expected in parts of the South and North Central, while Borno may see delays
- Nigerians are urged to follow NiMet guidance, especially for agriculture and weather-dependent activities
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has projected a longer-than-usual rainy season in Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe and Taraba states in 2026.
The forecast was unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, during the public presentation of NiMet’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction in Abuja on Tuesday, February 10.
According to Keyamo, the agency expects early rainfall onset in Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Oyo states, as well as in parts of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa and Taraba.
“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 rainy season. A normal annual rainfall amount is anticipated in most parts of Nigeria compared to the long-term average,” the agency said.
NiMet further predicted above-average rainfall in Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Enugu, Cross River, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom states and the Federal Capital Territory. In contrast, parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, Oyo and Ogun states are expected to record below-normal rainfall.
The agency also warned of severe dry spells lasting more than 15 days in parts of Oyo and Ogun states between March and May, while moderate dry spells are anticipated across Ekiti, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, Delta and parts of Kogi and Kwara.
“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 the ‘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, and parts of Kwara and Edo States,” it noted.
NiMet added that temperatures, both during the day and at night, are expected to remain higher than the long-term average across 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 rain-fed 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.
NiMet issues heat stress warning as temperatures rise across Nigeria
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had issued a heat stress warning following a surge in temperatures across the country, with several states experiencing extreme heat conditions.
According to the agency, multiple cities, including Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu, Awka, Bida, Minna, Gusau, Iseyin, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recorded temperatures of 38°C.
Meanwhile, Sokoto, Kebbi, Lokoja, Makurdi, Abakaliki, Ikom, Jalingo, and Yola experienced slightly higher temperatures of 39°C.
The agency cautioned that the high temperatures were expected to persist, with the possibility of slight increases in some locations.