Early Rains: NiMet Warns Farmers Against Premature Planting, Drinking Rainwater

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned farmers and members of the public not to mistake recent rainfall recorded in parts of the country as the start of the 2026 rainy season, describing the showers as deceptive and potentially harmful to both agriculture and human health.

NiMet issued the caution following noticeable rainfall in parts of Lagos and Ogun states last week, which sparked speculation that the rainy season had begun earlier than expected. The agency clarified that the rains are “pseudo rains” and are not expected to be sustained.

Speaking on the development, the Director of Weather Services at NiMet, Prof. Vincent Weli, cautioned farmers against rushing to plant crops, noting that such actions could lead to significant losses when dry conditions return.

“This is deceptive rain, popularly referred to as the pseudo-rain season, and it could lead to loss of crops,” Prof. Weli said. “Farmers should wait because we are still going to experience a dry spell. The rains will not last more than two weeks before dry conditions return.”

He explained that the current rainfall pattern would likely be followed by a dry spell, making early planting risky for farmers who rely on consistent moisture for crop establishment.

Beyond agricultural concerns, Prof. Weli also advised residents in areas currently experiencing rainfall to refrain from drinking rainwater, warning that it could pose health risks.

“People in areas where it is raining are advised not to consume the rainwater, as it may pose health risks,” he said.
Addressing fears of possible flooding, the NiMet official dismissed such concerns, explaining that the ground remains too dry to support flooding at this time.

“There cannot be flooding at this time because the ground surface is still very dry,” he noted.

Prof. Weli further explained that intermittent rainfall has continued in some southern parts of the country, particularly in the South-South region, since last year, attributing the trend to the effects of climate change.

“Some areas have experienced rainfall already this year due to changing climate patterns, but these rains will not be sustained,” he said.

He also disclosed that NiMet’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) would be officially released on February 10.

According to him, the SCP will provide detailed weather forecasts across the country from February to December, including sector-specific and local government-level projections, to aid planning and reduce potential losses.

NiMet urged farmers and the general public to rely on official meteorological information and advisories to guide their decisions as the season progresses.