The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for above-normal rainfall and possible flash flooding during the 2026 rainy season.
Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources, issued the warning on Friday while briefing journalists on the 2026 seasonal climate prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Wahab said the rainy season in Lagos is expected to begin in the last week of March and end in the first week of December.
He said the state is projected to record an average annual rainfall between 3,030 mm and 4,650 mm.
The commissioner said Ikeja is expected to record rainfall onset on March 31 and cessation on December 2, with an annual rainfall amount of 1,932 mm.
According to him, Badagry will likely experience rainfall onset on March 28 and cessation on December 3, with an annual rainfall amount of 2,010 mm.
He added that Ikorodu is projected to record rainfall onset on March 31 and cessation on December 2, with an annual rainfall amount of 1,935 mm, while Lagos Island is expected to record onset on March 30 and cessation on December 2, with about 1,968 mm of rainfall.
He said Epe is expected to experience rainfall onset on March 29 and cessation on December 3, with an annual rainfall amount of 1,984 mm.
Wahab said the average total rainfall expected across the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDs As in the state is about 1,965 mm.
He added that Lagos and neighbouring states are expected to experience above-normal rainfall.
The commissioner warned that the high rainfall could trigger flash flooding in some parts of the state, particularly during the onset and end of the rainy season when strong winds are expected.
He said the situation could threaten lives and property, disrupt commercial activities, and lead to flight delays and revenue losses.
Wahab added that the state government has installed a network of weather stations across Lagos to monitor weather conditions and water levels and improve preparedness for weather- and flood-related incidents.
Flooding is not new to Lagos, a coastal state that has in past years seen homes and properties destroyed by heavy rains.
Residents now look to the government to ensure that no lives are lost as the 2026 rainy season begins.
