The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has warned Nigerians to brace up for rougher days ahead after the body forecasted widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across all regions of the country.

The weather advisory body warned that the impending downpour may put lives at risk, with commercial activities disrupted and flights at airports delayed, urging residents to be prepared for other safety hazards triggered by severe flooding.

With coastal areas like Lagos more vulnerable to flooding, the Lagos State government has alerted residents living in low-lying areas to vacate their homes and move to higher ground in line with NiMet warnings.

It would be recalled that Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, presented the Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) for 2025 in January, where he indicated that Lagos is expected to experience above-normal rainfall in 2025, with a forecasted total annual rainfall of 1,952 mm.

“The forecast for this year is based on the neutral phase of the El-Niño Southern Oscillation, ENSO, which is expected to persist in the first six to eight months of the year.
“This also implies early onset of the rainy season, longer than normal length, and delayed end of the rainy season in Lagos. As a result, above-normal rainfall amounts are anticipated in the first peak of the rainy season, while normal rainfall amounts are expected in the second peak of the rainy season.

“Additionally, the rainfall from neighbouring Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States, dams’ release, and river water levels into the state will be monitored closely,” he said.

The Commissioner, however, calmed the frayed nerves of Lagosians, assuring them that the state government has set up a network of weather stations and river gauge stations to monitor weather conditions and river levels in the state. This initiative aims to enhance preparedness for weather-related and flood-related challenges.

He added that the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, in collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, participated in the annual Seasonal Climate Prediction, SCP, providing an essential early warning tool for farmers, planners, and businesses affected by seasonal rainfall.