The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet yesterday presented the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), outlining climate changes for effective disaster preparedness and socio-economic stability.
According to the document, there will be delayed onset of rains in the northern and central states, including Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara.
Early rainfall onset will occur in the southern states, such as Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi.
The forecast also said shorter rainy seasons will prevail in Borno and Yobe, while Lagos and Nasarawa may experience longer-than-normal rainy seasons.
The agency also predicted normal to below-normal rainfall for most parts of the country, with above-normal rainfall expected in Kebbi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and the FCT.
Flash floods are expected in coastal cities during high-intensity rainfall from May to June.
Severe dry spells (15+ days) are likely to occur in Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom in April, May and June.
The agency also said the ‘August Break’ or little dry season will begin in late July, with severe effects in Lagos and Ogun – lasting 27-40 days.
NiMet further predicted nationwide higher-than-normal temperatures in January, February, March, and May, while April is expected to be cooler than normal.
The unveiling of the 2025 SCP marks another milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to combat climate change through scientific forecast and proactive policy making.
