Heavy Rainfall, Flash Flooding Coming, Govt Warns

The Lagos State government has a warning for its people: Prepare for an imminent weather change, heavy rainfall and flash flooding.

It gave the caution today at a press briefing addressed by Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

The warning comes on the heels of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction on February 10 by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMet.

According to him, the annual briefing is organised by the state government as part of efforts to keep residents informed about important climate information and to prepare them for the possible impacts of the rainy season and other weather events.

Wahab noted that the forecast indicated an early to normal onset of the rainy season, a normal to late cessation, and normal to above-normal rainfall, with temperatures likely to be above normal in most parts of the state between March and May.

According to him, 2026 has been predicted to experience in January, with a weak La Niña in January, with a neutral phase of ENSO persisiting during the first six to eight months of the year.

The first peak of the rainy season would be characterised by above normal rainfall while the second peak would experience normal rainfall amounts.

“Lagos State is expected to experience above normal rainfall. This is expected for the neighbouring Ogun State. It is also expected that the high amounts of rainfall sometimes would lead to flooding events in parts of the state.

“Because strong winds are expected during the onset and the end of each rainy season, lives and properties may be at risk. Commercial activities disruption, flight delays and resulting revenue loss could arise.”

Other details on the coming heavy Rainfall & flash flooding

1. The rainy season was expected to begin as early as the last week of March and end in the first week of December,
2. average annual rainfall predicted to range between 1,650mm and 3,030mm,
3. Ikeja Division recording rainfall onset on March 31 and cessation on December 2, with an annual rainfall amount of about 1,932mm.
4. Badagry Division is projected to experience rainfall from March 28 to December 3 with an annual amount of 2,010mm,
5. Ikorodu is expected to have rainfall beginning on March 31 and ending on December 2 with an annual amount of 1,935mm.
6. Lagos Island Division would experience rainfall from March 30 to December 2 with an annual amount of 1,968mm,
7. Epe is projected to have rainfall from March 29 to December 3 with an annual amount of 1,984mm.

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Implications of the above

-Lagos State is expected to record an average rainfall amount of about 1,965mm.

-Expected high rainfall could lead to flooding in many parts

strong winds at the beginning and end of the rainy season could pose risks to lives and property and disrupt commercial activities.

“Lagos State is expected to experience above normal rainfall. This is expected for the neighbouring Ogun State. It is also expected that the high amounts of rainfall sometimes would lead to flooding events in parts of the state.

What State Agencies Are Doing About The Heavy Rainfall, Flash Flooding

1. State agencies to monitor weather patterns and river levels to improve preparedness for flood-related incidents.
2. The ministry collaborating with NiMet in the annual Seasonal Climate Prediction exercise