The Lagos State Government has announced that the state will experience above-normal rainfall during the first peak of the 2025 rainy season, while normal rainfall amounts are expected in the second peak.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known during a press briefing on the Seasonal Climate Predictions held at Alausa on Sunday.
“The rainy season is expected to start as early as the last week of March, while the end of the season is expected in the first week of December. The average annual rainfall amount predicted is 1,936mm, which is greater than the long-term 1991-2020 average,” Wahab stated.
He explained that this forecast is based on the neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation,which is expected to persist for the first six to eight months of the year.
“This implies an early onset of the rainy season, a longer than normal length, and a delayed end of the season in Lagos,” he added.
According to Wahab, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had on February 4, 2025, released its Seasonal Climate Prediction, which provided a forecast of expected rainfall patterns, temperatures, and other weather parameters across the country.
He noted that Lagos State conducts an annual briefing to educate the public about climate expectations and prepare residents for the impact of the rainy season.
Providing a breakdown of the expected rainfall across different parts of Lagos, Wahab stated:
Ikeja will experience rainfall from April 2 to December 2, with an annual total of 1,900mm while Badagry’s rainy season will run from March 30 to December 4, with a total of 1,978mm.
Ikorodu on the other hand will see rainfall from April 2 to December 3, totaling 1,903mm, Lagos Island’s rainy season will start on April 1 and end on December 3, with an annual total of 1,936mm, Epe is expected to experience rainfall from March 31 to December 4, with an annual total of 1,952mm.
The commissioner warned that the high rainfall amounts could lead to flash floods in some areas, along with strong winds during the onset and end of the rainy season.
“These conditions may put lives and properties at risk, disrupt commercial activities, and cause flight delays, leading to revenue losses,” Wahab cautioned.
He, however, assured residents that the government was prepared to manage the situation effectively.
“The Ministry is collaborating with NiMet on the annual Seasonal Climate Prediction, which has been a vital weather and early warning tool for farmers, planners, and decision-makers. The state government will continue to implement flood control measures to mitigate any imminent risks,” he said.
Residents were urged to take necessary precautions and cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth rainy season in the state.
