Ekiti State is expected to record between 203 and 214 days of rainfall in 2026, according to a new seasonal climate prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

A statement from the Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti said the Nimet forecast outlines the expected onset and cessation dates of rainfall, as well as projected annual rainfall totals across the state’s 16 local government areas.

NiMet predicts that the rainy season will begin between 18 and 25 April, depending on location, and end between 14 and 18 November.

Annual rainfall amounts are estimated to range between 1,610mm and 1,772mm across the state.

The agency also warned of possible rainfall in January and February, describing it as a “false onset”. A moderate dry spell is expected between March and April before the rains fully set in.

A typical mid-year dry spell is forecast to begin at the end of July and could last between 28 and 40 days.

NiMet added that temperatures across the country are likely to be above the long-term average, urging livestock farmers in particular to adopt climate-smart practices.

The state government has advised farmers, stakeholders and relevant agencies to prepare in line with the forecast to ensure optimal agricultural productivity and effective water resource management.

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Officials said the ministry is working with NiMet and other stakeholders to simplify and disseminate the information to farmers and agricultural investors, noting that seasonal forecasts come with permissible margins of error.

Farmers have also been encouraged to monitor weather updates and early warning advisories throughout the year.

The government said the release of the forecast highlights the importance of climate information in agricultural planning, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development in Ekiti State.