2026 Rainy Season Has Not Started – NIMET Warns Farmers

News in brief:

-NiMet says recent rainfall in parts of Lagos and Ogun states is deceptive and unsuitable for planting.

-Farmers have been advised to await the official onset of the 2026 rainy season to avoid losses.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned farmers not to rely on the recent rainfall recorded in some parts of the country for planting, stating that the 2026 rainy season has not yet commenced.

The agency described the rainfall as pseudo rain, noting that it is deceptive and may result in crop losses if farmers begin cultivation prematurely.

Parts of Lagos and Ogun states recorded heavy rainfall last week, sparking concerns among farmers and residents about the onset of the rainy season.

Early Rains Expected Not To Last

Speaking on the development, the Director of Weather Services at NiMet, Prof Vincent Weli, said the rainfall currently being experienced in some areas would not last beyond two weeks.

He explained that farmers are strongly discouraged from planting during this period, as a dry spell is expected to follow.

According to him, reliance on the current rainfall could lead to significant agricultural losses.

Weli also warned residents in areas where the rain has fallen against consuming the water, saying it could be harmful to human health.

He advised caution, stressing that the rainfall is not consistent or safe enough for domestic use.

Dispelling fears of possible flooding, the NiMet official said there is no immediate flood risk at this time.

He explained that the ground surface remains largely dry, reducing the likelihood of flooding despite the recent rainfall.

Climate Change Influencing Rainfall Patterns

Prof Weli noted that rainfall has continued in parts of the South-South region since last year, attributing the unusual weather pattern to climate change.

He said that while some areas have already recorded rainfall this year, it does not signal the start of the rainy season.

The NiMet director disclosed that the agency’s Seasonal Climate Prediction for 2026 would be released on February 10.

He explained that the document would outline expected weather patterns from February to December and indicate how different sectors and local government areas may be affected.

According to him, the forecast would support effective planning and help prevent avoidable losses across key sectors of the economy.