NiMet forecasts early rainfall in 2025, flash floods in coastal areas

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released the 2025 seasonal climate prediction (SCP), forecasting an early onset of rain across the country.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace, announced the forecast during the seasonal prediction presentation in Abuja on Tuesday.

Keyamo said the annual seasonal prediction is critical to ensure the safety, efficiency and sustainability of air navigation business and that of other sectors.

“I commend the Management and Staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for their unwavering commitment to providing accurate and actionable weather and climate information, a cornerstone for our Nation’s socio-economic development,” Keyemo said.

“The theme of this year’s presentation, “The Role of Early Warnings Towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development, could not be timelier.”

The minister said there would be delayed onset of rain over the northern states, while the southern states are likely to experience early onset of rain.

He noted that high-intensity rainfall is expected in May to June, which may likely result in flash floods in the coastal cities.

Keyamo added that there is a likelihood of severe dry spell of more than 15 days between April, May and June season, and may last up to 21 days expected in the northern states.

“Highlights of the 2025 SCP As with previous years, there are pre-onset rainfall activities that should not be confused with the actual onset of the rainy season,” the minister said.

“Earlier than long-term average end-of-rainy season is predicted over parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo states.

“A delayed end of season is expected overa parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu states. The predicted length of rainy season in 2025 is expected to be mostly normal across the country.”

He urged all stakeholders to utilise the information to make informed decision in order to reduce the climate risks of the country.