By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Little Dry Season, also known as the August Break, is expected to begin by late July and be severe and prolonged over Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and parts of Oyo States. The number of days with little or no rainfall is projected to range between 28 and 40 days, while a moderate effect is anticipated over Ondo and parts of Kwara and Edo States.
NiMet further stated that both daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to be warmer than the long-term average over most parts of the country in January, February, March, and May.
Despite reports of early rains in parts of southern Nigeria, the Federal Government cautioned Nigerians not to interpret the recent rainfall as the official commencement of the 2026 rainy season.
Keyamo said, “We have already seen some significant rains across the southern parts of the country this year. Let me reiterate that these should not be taken to mean that the rainy season has started in these places. Those engaged in rainfed agriculture and other rainfall-dependent activities in Nigeria are therefore advised to refer to the predicted onset dates in this publication or consult NiMet for proper guidance.”
He described the Seasonal Climate Prediction as a critical national planning tool, noting that NiMet had received commendations in recent years for how the use of SCP information improved crop yield and supported disaster risk mitigation.
“The impact and effect of climate variability and climate change remain daily realities of modern times, shaping aviation safety, economic decisions, national security planning, food security, infrastructural development, and the well-being of our people,” Keyamo said, stressing the need to embed climate science and early warning systems into national development planning.
Also speaking, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the agency remained committed to providing authoritative, science-based climate information to support decision-making.
“As climate variability and extreme weather events increasingly threaten lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, food security, and economic growth, timely and reliable weather and climate information have become indispensable,” he said.
Anosike added that NiMet was adopting technological innovations, including Artificial Intelligence, to improve forecasting accuracy and service delivery. The Seasonal Climate Prediction, he said, remains a vital guide for agriculture, water resources management, disaster risk reduction, and other climate-sensitive sectors.