The early morning hours of Thursday saw the first rain of 2024 in certain areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the report, a gentle rain began at approximately 12:30 am, half an hour into the new day, lasting around 25 minutes until it ceased at 12:55 am.
The unanticipated rainfall, characterized by its absence of lightning, strong winds, and thunderstorms, was observed in various areas including Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, and Garki in Abuja Municipal Area Council.
Additionally, it was witnessed in Dutse, Zuba, Bwari, Gwagwalada, and Mararaba.
Residents of these areas had mixed reactions to the rainfall. Mrs. Anna Jonah, a Kubwa resident, mentioned that the unexpected rain provided a temporary relief from the recent heatwave.
However, she expressed concern that due to its light nature, a delay in subsequent rainfall might exacerbate the heat.
“Before the rain started, I was lying down on the tiled floor in my room to get some relief from the heat and I had also taken a cold bath twice because of sweats.
“However, after the rain, I moved to the bed with my husband and we had sound sleep, because of the mild coldness that accompanied it
“The concern is that a light rain like this might increase the heat in the coming days, especially as NiMet recently predicted a delay in rain in the North-Central states,” she said.
Lawal Sale, a resident of Garki, remarked that the rain was somewhat heavy in the area, effectively washing away the accumulated dust on cars parked by residents of his quarter.
Sale also acknowledged a sense of relief from the intense heat experienced in the FCT in recent days. However, he cautioned that this relief might be short-lived and advised farmers against rushing into planting, as the rainfall might not be consistent.
Meanwhile, a resident of Kuje noted that although there was no rain in the area, the weather felt colder compared to previous days.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency presented the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction in Abuja. NiMet forecasted a delayed cessation of rainfall over the southern states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ekiti, as well as some parts of Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara, FCT, Niger, and Kaduna.