The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned farmers against early planning following heavy rains being experienced in some states of the federation.
Speaking on the implications of the early rains, NimMet disclosed the occurrence was normal during a transition period which usually precedes the rainy season.
An official of NiMet who spoke to newsmen reportedly said the early rain being witnessed in some part of the country does not signal the beginning of the rainy season as some had believed.
He said, “This happens during transition period like this but it does not signal beginning of the rainy season.
“Farmers should use this period for land clearing but not planting as the active season is yet to establish,”
Speaking further, he revealed NiMet would hold a public talk to enlighten the public on 2018 seasonal rainfall by the first week of March.
Also speaking to the press, The Director-General of NiMet, Prof Sani Mashi explained the mixture of Harmattan and heat being experienced over the central part of Nigeria could lead to early rainfall in the region.
“Wherever the two major air masses meet, we will have rain.
“The harmattan has become shorter because the southwestern air mass is already overpowering northeastern air mass over central northern Nigeria.
“So, the implication of this is that we are likely to have early commencement of rain within central northern Nigeria,’’ he said.
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