Lagos to experience 263 days of rains –Bello

As the rainy season gradually sets in, Lagos State is expected to experience 263 days of rains with a marginal error of nine days.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Tunji Bello, dropped the hint at the presentation of year 2014 seasonal rainfall prediction and socio-economic implication for Lagos State.

Bello said for the fourth consecutive year, the ministry had presented to the press, the Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) as a vital weather advisory and early warning tool with benefits to planners, decision makers and operators of the various rainfall – sensitive socio-economic sectors where preparedness against climate risk and associated hazards are essential.


Bello pointed out, that the rainy season for year 2014 had been predicted to end between first week of October and fourth week of December in most part of the country.

He was however quick to add that in Lagos State, the cessation date was predicted to be December 21, 2014 with a marginal error of three days.

The commissioner said that using the year 2014 SRP, the rainfall pattern of this year would be similar to that of last year, adding that this year, the month of August is expected to be drier than August 2013.

He said that the rainfall pattern showed that in the second week of March the rain commenced in earnest and would increase gradually till mid-July, adding that it would break before staring again in early September.

He said that the season would finally end in December, 2014.

According to him, the Little Dry Season (LDS), a short period of drought or dry spell would likely occur on July 15th till 31st August, 2014, meaning that the LDS would be more pronounced this year than last year.

His words: “Lagos is expected to record 1960mm as total amount of rainfall. The strong winds, lighting and thunderstorms which were regular phenomenon during the onset and cessation of rainfall was also predicted to occur in stronger magnitude during this year raining period”.

The commissioner pointed out that Lagos State is predicted to have normal rainfall this year but surrounding states like Ogun and Oyo would have above normal rainfall, thus excess flow from Dams in those states may cause flooding downstream realistically in Lagos State, if the water was not properly managed.

He noted, that rainstorm would be common over the coastal areas with occasional flash flood and ocean surges which would greatly affect persons living along the flood plains.

He said that the state government’s motto this year is ‘Be Prepared’, noting that irrespective of the SRP, the ministry on its part was preparing for the worst, while praying that no disaster shall visit the state.