13 States to Experience Extended Rains in 2026

13 States to Experience Extended Rains in 2026 – NiMet
In contrast, Borno, Yobe and Niger states are projected to experience shorter rainfall duration
Prof. Charles Anosike, said the agency is committed to making the Seasonal Climate Prediction accessible to local farmers to improve resilience and boost agricultural output

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted that 13 states, including Lagos, Benue and Enugu, will experience a longer rainy season in 2026, while Borno, Yobe and Niger states are expected to have a shorter wet season.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the forecast was contained in NiMet’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), unveiled in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

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According to the outlook, states likely to witness a longer rainy season include Lagos, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Oyo, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe and Taraba.

In contrast, Borno, Yobe and Niger states are projected to experience shorter rainfall duration.

NiMet also warned of severe dry spells lasting more than 15 days between March and May in parts of Oyo and Ogun states. Moderate dry spells are expected across Ekiti, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River and Delta states, as well as parts of Kwara.

During the June to August period, severe dry spells of up to 21 days are predicted in parts of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara states.

The agency also forecast that the Little Dry Season (LDS), commonly known as the “August Break,” will begin in late July. It is expected to be severe and prolonged in Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti and parts of Oyo, with between 28 and 40 days of little or no rainfall. Moderate effects are projected in Ondo, parts of Kwara and Edo states.

NiMet projected an early onset of rains in Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Oyo states, as well as parts of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa and Taraba. However, Borno State is expected to record a late onset.

13 States to Experience Extended Rains in 2026 - NiMet — NIMET

Speaking at the unveiling, Keyamo emphasised that climate variability and climate change continue to shape aviation safety, economic planning, food security and infrastructure development.

He noted that providing timely and accurate weather information has become a strategic necessity for national development, particularly in light of the government’s focus on economic stability, agricultural productivity and climate adaptation.

The Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the agency is committed to making the Seasonal Climate Prediction accessible to local farmers to improve resilience and boost agricultural output.

He added that NiMet is accelerating the deployment of digital advisory services in collaboration with local and international partners, while calling for stronger cooperation with state governments to expand dissemination of the climate forecast.

NiMet reiterated its commitment to delivering reliable weather and climate information to support Nigeria’s efforts toward building a climate-resilient economy.