Early Rains Don’t Signal Start of Rainy Season, FG Warns

The Federal Government has cautioned farmers and the general public against interpreting recent rainfall across parts of Nigeria as the official commencement of the 2026 rainy season.

According to the government, the early rains being experienced in some states are temporary and inconsistent weather patterns, not a confirmation of the full onset of the rainy season.

The warning was issued through the Federal Government of Nigeria, which urged farmers to rely strictly on forecasts and advisories from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) before making planting decisions.

NiMet explained that climate variability has made rainfall patterns less predictable, with brief showers often occurring weeks before the actual rainy season begins. These early rains, the agency noted, are usually followed by dry spells that could damage crops planted too early.

“The current rains should not be taken as the start of the rainy season. Farmers are advised to wait for NiMet’s official Seasonal Climate Prediction and onset dates for their respective locations,” the agency said.

Agricultural experts warn that premature planting based on false rainfall signals could result in poor germination, crop failure, and financial losses, especially for small-scale farmers who rely solely on rain-fed agriculture.

NiMet is expected to release detailed state-by-state rainfall onset predictions to guide farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in planning for the 2026 farming season.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely weather information to support food security and reduce climate-related risks in the agricultural sector.