As weather conditions across the country become increasingly unpredictable, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned residents of Lagos and its surrounding areas to prepare for possible heavy rainfall beginning today, Wednesday, February 18, and continuing through Friday, February 20.
In a weather bulletin issued in Lagos, NiMet forecast light to moderate rainfall in Lagos and neighbouring states, with possible strong winds and reduced visibility.
The forecast also covers parts of southern and coastal regions, including Abia State and parts of Cross River State, where similar weather conditions are expected.
The agency advised motorists in Lagos and its environs to exercise caution, noting that rainfall may result in slippery roads, traffic disruptions, and surface runoff that could pose risks to commuters.
Residents were also urged to secure loose objects and disconnect electrical appliances during rainfall to prevent damage.
According to the bulletin, little or no rainfall is expected across northern parts of the country, including Abuja, Kano, and Borno State, where stable weather conditions are forecast to persist.
Meanwhile, the Deputy General Manager of Public Weather Services at NiMet, Mr. Wasiu Ibrahim, cautioned farmers against commencing planting activities prematurely, stressing that the rainfall does not signal the start of the rainy season but rather isolated precipitation occurring within the dry season.
Mr. Ibrahim explained that Nigeria remains within the Harmattan period, which is expected to continue until the end of March, when the rainy season is anticipated to begin.
He attributed the interruption of the Harmattan to unstable atmospheric processes worsened by climate change, noting that coastal cities remain vulnerable to rainfall due to moist south-westerly winds from the Atlantic Ocean.
“Cities along the coast may still experience rainfall because of moist south-westerly winds from the ocean. Harmattan is still here and will last until the end of March,” he said.
He urged members of the public to stay informed by following daily weather updates published on NiMet’s official social media platforms to enable proper planning amid changing atmospheric conditions across the country.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh