In a press conference held on Tuesday, Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, delivered a sobering message regarding the forthcoming rainy season.
According to Wahab, the state is bracing for abnormal rainfall patterns throughout 2024, with a predicted total of 1936.2 mm of rainfall.
The forecasted average annual rainfall for the year exceeds the long-term average by a significant margin, standing at 1936.2 mm compared to the historical average of 1721.48 mm.
Wahab outlined the expected timeline for the rainy season, noting that it is forecasted to commence in the first week of April and conclude by the first week of December.
Providing detailed insights into specific areas within Lagos State, Wahab revealed varied onset and cessation dates for different regions.
For instance, Ikeja is expected to experience rainfall from April 4 until December 4, accumulating an annual amount of 1900 mm.
Similarly, Badagry anticipates rainfall from April 1 to December 5, with an annual total of 1978 mm. Other regions such as Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe also received forecasts tailored to their local conditions.
Wahab emphasized that while below-normal rainfall is anticipated during the initial stages of the rainy season, normal to above-normal rainfall is expected in the latter half.
This prediction underscores the importance of preparedness and proactive measures, especially for farmers, decision-makers, and various sectors likely to be impacted by the annual rainfall.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Seasonal Climate Prediction was hailed as instrumental in providing crucial weather insights and early warnings.
This collaboration serves as a vital tool for stakeholders and emergency workers in navigating the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns.
In response to the forecast, the Lagos State government is gearing up to disseminate the Seasonal Climate Prediction information to stakeholders and emergency responders across the state.
The government aims to mitigate the potential socio-economic impacts of the anticipated abnormal rainfall by ensuring that relevant parties are well-informed and equipped with necessary strategies.
As climate variability continues to pose challenges globally, the proactive approach taken by Lagos State serves as a commendable example of effective climate resilience planning.
With meticulous attention to forecasts and strategic coordination, the state is taking strides towards safeguarding its communities and infrastructure against the uncertainties of nature.
As the rainy season approaches, the insights provided by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab serve as a timely reminder of the importance of preparedness and adaptation in the face of evolving climate dynamics.
Through collective effort and informed decision-making, Lagos State stands ready to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the 2024 rainfall patterns.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
