2024: Three states to experience early rains
Olaolu Bilau –
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has released the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction with forecasts indicating early rains in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Borno states.
The 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), has the theme: ‘Facilitating a Weather Resilient Economy Through Early Warnings for All to Foster Renewed Hope and Sustainable Development’.
The forecasts show that the annual rainfall is expected to be below the normal average over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Kebbi, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Delta and Bayelsa states. However, other parts of the country are predicted to observe adequate to above-normal annual rainfall.
Most parts of the country are expected to experience a shorter seasonal duration. However, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa-Ibom would experience a longer seasonal length. Normal to shorter season duration will likely occur in other parts of the country. An early end of the rainy season is predicted for parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Cross River Ebony, Ogun and Lagos states. A late cessation is predicted over the southern states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ekiti and some parts of Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara, FCT, Niger and Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), advised all stakeholders to evaluate the predictions to build adaptive capacity and resilience against climate variability within their respective sectors.
The Special Guest of Honour and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who spoke virtually, said climate change and the Food crisis are the two critical issues facing the country, stressing the importance of paying heed to NiMet’s predictions.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof Charles Anosike, noted that the agency has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence by delivering its annual Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) early in the year, adding that the tradition highlights the vital role of accurate weather prediction plays in the collective well-being of the nation.
