By Agrobroadcast Team
Despite recent rainfall recorded in some parts of the country, farmers have been advised not to commence planting, as the showers are not yet indicative of the main rainy season, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has cautioned.
According to the agency, the rainfall observed recently in parts of Lagos and Ogun states falls under what it described as a “pseudo-rain” season, which is temporary and potentially misleading.
NiMet warned that relying on such rains for agricultural activities could result in crop failure.
Speaking on the development, the Director of Weather Services at NiMet, Prof. Vincent Weli, explained that the current rains are expected to be short-lived and may not extend beyond two weeks before a dry spell sets in.
He noted that farmers who plant at this time risk significant losses, as the rainfall pattern is deceptive and does not signal the onset of sustained seasonal rains.Prof. Weli also advised residents in areas currently experiencing rainfall to avoid consuming harvested rainwater, warning that it could pose health risks.
Addressing concerns about possible flooding, he dismissed such fears, stating that the likelihood of floods at this stage is minimal due to the extremely dry condition of the ground.
He further explained that some regions, particularly in the South-South, have continued to experience rainfall since last year, a development he attributed to changing climate conditions.
However, he emphasized that these rains remain inconsistent and temporary.
Meanwhile, Prof. Weli disclosed that NiMet’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) would be officially released on February 10.
The forecast, he said, would provide detailed insights into expected weather patterns across sectors and local government areas from February to December, enabling better planning and helping to reduce climate-related losses.