The Lagos State Government has warned residents that rainfall in 2023 is forecast to be above average in the state, totaling 1936.2 mm, beginning in the first week of April, notably on the first, Saturday, and ending in December.
This information was revealed on Thursday during the 2023 media conference on Seasonal Climate Predictions, SCP, and Its Socio-Economic Implications for Lagos, held at Alausa, Ikeja. The event was organized by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello.
He said that the long-term average rainfall in the state for the previous 10 years, which was 1721.48mm, was less than the 1936.2mm amount predicted for 2023.
Bello added that according to a prediction released by the Nigerian Metrological Services, the State is predicted to experience an average to slightly above average rainfall amount and an elongated season length.
He stated that specifically, Ikeja is expected to have an annual amount of 1900mm, while Badagry will experience 1978mm amount of rainfall.
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Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe are expected to have rainfall with annual amounts of 1903mm, 1936mm and 1952mm respectively with onset dates of the 1st of April and cessation of 3rd of December 2023.
“It is also expected that the recent increase in the frequency of extreme weather events will continue in 2023, with days of extremely high rainfall amounts that may result in flooding, largely because strong winds are expected during the onset and cessation of each rainfalls”.
Bello, listed contributory factors to flooding to include the rise in the Lagoon level as a result of high tidal movement, which may “lock up” the discharge points of drainage channels and until the Lagoon recedes, there will be no discharge, allowing the backflows and all the generated stormwater to immediately discharge, and the roads becoming free.
He explained that “it is normal to have occasional flash floods when it rains, which would percolate rapidly just like it’s been experienced around the world,” adding that “it is only when rain storm water remains on the roads for hours that it can be reported as flooding,” which hew cautioned the media against sensational reports.
Story adapted from Vanguard
