Full List: Anambra, Lagos, Kwara, and 10 Other States to Experience Longer-Than-Normal Rainy Season – NiMet

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has projected an unusually long rainy season in Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe, and Taraba States in 2026.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo shared the forecast during the public presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Abuja on Tuesday.

NiMet expects an early start of rains in Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Oyo, and parts of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, and Taraba States. Conversely, Borno State may experience a delayed onset.

The agency also predicts variations in the end of the rainy season. Parts of Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Kogi, and Niger States are likely to see an early cessation of rains, while Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States could experience a prolonged season. Shorter-than-normal rainfall is expected in parts of Borno, Yobe, and Niger States. Overall, most regions should see annual rainfall near the long-term average.

NiMet forecasts above-average rainfall in Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Enugu, Cross River, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, and the Federal Capital Territory, while parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun States may receive below-normal rainfall.

The agency warned of potential dry spells. Severe dry periods of over 15 days may occur in parts of Oyo and Ogun States from March to May, while moderate dry spells are expected in Ekiti, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, and Delta States. During June to August, some northern and central states could face dry spells lasting up to 21 days.

NiMet also highlighted the upcoming Little Dry Season (LDS), or “August break,” which may begin in late July. Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and parts of Oyo States are expected to experience a prolonged LDS of 28 to 40 days, while moderate effects are predicted for Ondo and parts of Kwara and Edo States.

Daytime and nighttime temperatures are projected to be warmer than the long-term average across most of the country during January, February, March, and May.