Lagos residents to experience heavier, unusual rainfall

On Tuesday, the Lagos State Government issued a warning to residents, advising them to brace themselves for greater than average rainfall and the possibility of severe flooding. Residents in some flood-prone locations may need to migrate if there is a flood or an increase in water levels, according to the authorities. At a press conference on Tuesday, Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, stated that the State is anticipated to receive an excess of normal rainfall throughout the 2024 rainy season, with a total of 1936.2mm anticipated.

He stated that the average annual rainfall amount for 2024 is likely to be 1936.2 mm, higher than the long-term average of 1721.48 mm. The first week of April is predicted to be the start of the rainy season, and the first week of December to be the end of it. He stated that Ikeja is anticipated to experience a high annual rainfall total of 1900 mm, with a beginning date of April 4 and a cessation date of December 4. He states that the yearly amount of rainfall in Badagry is projected to be 1978 mm, with an onset date of April 1 and a cessation date of December 5, while the annual amount in Ikorodu is expected to be 1903 mm, with an onset date of April 4 and a cessation date of December 4.

He added that Lagos Island is expected to have a rainfall onset date of 3rd April, cessation date of 4th December and an annual amount of 1,936mm while Epe is expected to have a rainfall onset date of 2nd April, cessation date of 5th December and an annual amount of 1952mm.

The commissioner stated that below normal rainfall amounts are anticipated in the first half of the rainy season while normal to above normal rainfall amounts are expected in the second half of the rainy season.

He reaffirmed that the Ministry's yearly partnership with NiMet on the Seasonal Climate Prediction has proven beneficial as a crucial meteorological and early warning instrument for farmers, policymakers, and operators of the many sectors and enterprises that are likely to be impacted by the yearly rainy season.

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