Hobnob News – The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted that six southern states – Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom – are set to witness the highest number of rainy days in 2025, with rainfall expected to span between 250 and 290 days.
This projection was contained in the agency’s 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction, officially released on Monday.
According to NiMet, states in the next rainfall bracket – 200 to 250 rainy days – include Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu.
In the central region, areas like Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory are projected to experience 150 to 200 rainy days, while northern states such as Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno are expected to have between 110 and 150 days of rainfall.
NiMet also highlighted a wide range in total annual rainfall, from 405 mm in the far north to 3,010 mm in the coastal belt.
“Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom may see totals between 2,700 mm and 3,010 mm,” the report noted.
In contrast, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, and Katsina are expected to receive less than 685 mm, while the central states may see rainfall levels between 970 mm and 1,500 mm.
Despite the volume, the forecast revealed that most regions will likely experience normal to below-normal rainfall compared to historical averages. However, parts of Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Lagos, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and the FCT are projected to record above-normal totals.
Rainy Season Timeline
Southern states (e.g., Lagos, Delta, Enugu, Ogun, Abia): Rainy season will begin between March and April
Central Nigeria (e.g., Kwara, Benue, FCT): Onset is expected between April and May
Northern states (e.g., Sokoto, Borno): Rainfall will start between June and July
Some areas such as Delta, Rivers, Anambra, and parts of the Southwest are predicted to experience early onset, while delays may occur in states like Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Adamawa.
Dry Spells and Rainy Season End
NiMet warned of severe dry spells lasting over 15 days in parts of Oyo State and up to 21 days in the northern belt during the peak rainy season (June–August). Moderate dry spells may also hit parts of the Southeast, South-South, and Southwest.
Rainfall is expected to cease between October 6 and December 17, depending on the region:
Northern states: Cessation starts around October 6
Central states: Between November 7 and November 23
Southern states: November 23 to December 17
Early end of rains is anticipated in Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, and other northern states, while delays are expected in **Lagos, Taraba, Ebony
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