NiMet releases seasonal climate prediction, forecasts early rains in Borno, Abia, Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Tuesday presented the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Abuja.

The forecasts released indicate that rains will be delayed in some parts of the country. According to a statement from NiMet about the SCP, the states of Borno, Abia and Akwa Ibom would witness early onset of rains.

The 2024 SCP which was unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, had as its theme: ‘Facilitating a Weather Resilient Economy Through Early Warnings for all to Foster Renewed Hope and Sustainable Development’.

An early end of the rainy season is predicted for parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Home, 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.

The minister disclosed that the document also contains detailed prediction for temperature in the first five months of the year, predictions for the dry spell and little dry season, as well as prediction for malaria and meningitis.

The annual rainfall amount is predicted to be below normal over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Kebbi, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Delta and Bayelsa states when compared to their long term normal.

However, other parts of the country are likely to observe normal to above-normal annual rainfall amounts.

Most parts of the country are expected to experience a shorter length of season, however, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa-Ibom are likely to experience a longer length of season when compared with their mean. Normal to shorter length of season will likely occur in other parts of the country.”

The minister said the 2024 SCP has been summarised for policymakers and translated into Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin languages.

“As the highly anticipated 2024 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction is released today, I strongly encourage all stakeholders to evaluate the predictions thoroughly and strategically, to build adaptive capacity and resilience against climate variability within your respective sectors.

“It is my desire that the content of the document enables policymakers to plan activities, allocate resources effectively, and protect our citizens from the adverse impacts of weather,” he said.

The Special Guest of Honour, and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who spoke virtually said the two critical issues facing the country are climate change and Food crisis. He stressed the importance paying heed to NiMet’s prediction.

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike said that the agency has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to excellence by delivering its annual SCP early in the year

“This tradition highlights the vital role accurate weather prediction plays in our collective well-being as a nation,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Emmanuel Meribole, in his welcome address, said: “Over the years, we have witnessed changing climatic patterns, extreme weather events, and attendant disastrous impacts to lives, property, and livelihoods. These emphasize the critical significance of our gathering here today.”