NiMet Early Rainfall alert covers 14 states, warning farmers to postpone planting until the official rainy season begins

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued an early rainfall warning for Kano, Niger, Rivers, and 12 additional states, cautioning that the official 2026 rainy season has not yet begun.

Also read: NiMet Forecasts Sunshine and Thunderstorms Across Nigeria

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, during the unveiling of NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction for 2026.

Keyamo urged farmers and agricultural stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid planting despite recent showers in parts of the country.

He noted that Lagos, Rivers, and Bayelsa states have experienced unseasonal rainfall, but stressed that the onset of the true rainy season remains pending.

The minister also warned of extreme weather events between March and May, reinforcing the need for careful planning.

The 2026 NiMet Seasonal Climate Prediction forecasts early rain in Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Oyo, and portions of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, and Taraba states. In contrast, a late onset is expected in Borno State.

The report further anticipates early cessation of rainfall in Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, and Niger states, while a delayed end is projected for Lagos, Anambra, Enugu, Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states.

NiMet predicts a longer-than-normal rainy season for Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe, and Taraba, whereas Borno, Yobe, and Niger may experience a shorter season.

Above-average rainfall is expected in Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Enugu, Cross River, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and the Federal Capital Territory, while below-average rainfall is forecast for parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun.

The agency highlighted the potential for severe dry spells of over 15 days during March-May in Oyo and Ogun, with moderate dry spells anticipated in Ekiti, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, Delta, and parts of Kwara.

Severe dry spells of up to 21 days are predicted across Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara during the June August season.

NiMet also forecasts the Little Dry Season, or “August Break,” to begin in late July.

Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and parts of Oyo are expected to experience a severe and prolonged break of 28 to 40 days, while Ondo, Kwara, and Edo may see moderate effects.

Dr. Yakubu Adam Farmata, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, described the SCP as a flagship platform linking climate science with national development planning.

He emphasised that the report provides decision-makers with credible, timely, and actionable information to guide agricultural and community preparedness.

Also read: NiMet Forecasts Sunny Skies with Isolated Rains Across Nigeria

The NiMet Early Rainfall alert aims to help farmers and local authorities plan effectively, reduce crop risks, and prepare strategically ahead of the official rainy season.