Lagos State has warned her citizens to expect an abnormal level of rainfall in 2026.

This alarm was raised by the state's Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab at a press briefing held yesterday at the Ministry in Alausa, Lagos, on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and what it means for Lagos State.

According to him, "the forecast indicates that Lagos will experience above-normal rainfall during the 2026 rainy season, with annual rainfall projected between 1650mm and 3030mm. The rainy season is expected to start in the last week of March and end in the first week of December."

He warns that the state expects an average rainfall of about 1965mm.

He says that specific projections indicate the followings:

• Ikeja: Onset March 31 – Cessation December 2 – 1932mm

• Badagry: Onset March 28 – Cessation December 3 – 2010mm

• Ikorodu: Onset March 31 – Cessation December 2 – 1935mm

• Lagos Island: Onset March 30 – Cessation December 2 – 1968mm

• Epe: Onset March 29 – Cessation December 3 – 1984mm

"This projection is linked to a weak La Niña and a neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation phase, which typically brings earlier rainfall onset, increased rainfall intensity, and slightly lower temperatures.

As a coastal state, Lagos also experiences tidal lock-up, where high lagoon levels temporarily slow down the discharge of stormwater into the lagoon. When this happens, water recedes naturally once the tide drops."

He however assures the citizens by reeling out the state's underlisted preparedness measures:

• Continuous year-round drainage maintenance and upgrades

• Deployment of weather and river gauge monitoring stations

• Strengthened Flood Early Warning Systems

• Close monitoring of Oyan Dam water releases with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority

• Full readiness of emergency response agencies

"We are particularly monitoring communities along the Ogun River corridor, including Agiliti, Agboyi, Itowolo, and Ajegunle, as well as low-lying coastal communities."

He appeals to residents to support the government's efforts by:

• Stopping dumping of refuse in drains and canals

• Stopping blockage of drainage channels with construction materials

• Avoiding building on drainage alignments

• Clearing drains in front of residents' homes regularly

He appeals to residents "in low-lying areas such as Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota, and Shibiri should remain alert and be prepared to move to safer grounds when necessary."

To motorists, he pleaded with them to drive cautiously during, and the media to report responsibly.