 has raised the red flag over recent scattered showers across parts of the country, cautioning farmers){kind=link}
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has raised the red flag over recent scattered showers across parts of the country, cautioning farmers and the general public not to mistake the downpours for the onset of the 2026 rainy season.
Last week’s rainfall in sections of Lagos and Ogun states had sparked excitement—and confusion—among residents, with many speculating that the rains had arrived early. But NiMet has dismissed such assumptions, describing the showers as “pseudo rains” that could lull farmers into making costly decisions.
According to the agency, the rains are temporary and are expected to fizzle out within the next two weeks, possibly giving way to a prolonged dry spell that could spell disaster for early crops.
Director of Weather Services at NiMet, Vincent Weli, warned that planting now could lead to widespread agricultural losses if seeds germinate only to be scorched by returning dryness.
“These rains are deceptive,” Weli cautioned. “Farmers who rush to plant may lose their investments when the dry conditions resume.”
Beyond agriculture, NiMet also flagged health concerns linked to the current showers. Residents in affected areas were advised not to drink rainwater, as it may carry pollutants capable of causing illness.
In a bid to guide long-term planning and reduce risks, NiMet announced that it will release its 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) on February 10. The forecast is expected to provide a detailed outlook of weather patterns from February through December, including sector-specific impacts and local government–level predictions to help farmers, policymakers and businesses plan more effectively.
For now, NiMet’s message is clear: don’t be fooled by the early drops. Patience, the agency insists, could be the difference between a successful harvest and devastating loss.
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