Despite reports of unusually early rainfall in parts of the country, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has advised farmers not to begin planting yet, warning that the showers are unreliable and potentially harmful.
NiMet described the rainfall as “pseudo rain,” stressing that it is not an indication of the commencement of the planting season and could pose health risks if consumed. Some areas of Lagos and Ogun states recorded heavy rainfall last week.
Speaking on the development, the Director of Weather Services at NiMet, Prof. Vincent Weli, said the rain would likely be short-lived and may not extend beyond two weeks.
“Farmers are discouraged from planting at this season because the rainfall currently experienced in some parts of the country is called pseudo-rain season.
“It is deceptive rain and it could lead to loss of crops,” Prof Weli said on the phone.
According to him, farmers should exercise patience as a dry spell is expected after the brief rainfall.
“Farmers should wait, because we are still going to have a dry spell. The rains will not last more than two weeks and then dry spell will set in.
“People in areas where rains are currently falling are advised against consuming the water, because it could be very harmful to their health.”
He also dismissed concerns that the early rains could result in flooding.
“There cannot be any issue of flood right now, because the surface is still very dry.”
Prof. Weli explained that persistent rainfall in some regions, particularly the South-South, is linked to climate change.
“Rains have not stopped falling in places like the South-South region since last year. Some people have witnessed rainfall already this year and it is due to the fact that the climate is changing, as you know already.
“However, the rains would not last more than two weeks.”
He further disclosed that NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) for 2026 would be unveiled on February 10.
The SCP outlines anticipated weather patterns and their potential impact on different sectors and local government areas between February and December, a move he said would support planning and help avert losses.
(NATION)
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