The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned Nigerians of increased rainfall activity in the country throughout the month of July, especially in the north and north-central states.

NiMet, the official source for all weather and climate news and events in Nigeria says that the downpour is expected to “increase both in frequency and intensity…while a combination of intermittent and continuous rains should persist over the southern cities,” it wrote on its website.

NiMnet says citizens in Nigeria’s southern states will experience cooler temperatures, both days and nights due to cloudy atmosphere, advising the public to cover up properly during this period to avert cold-related ailments.

The agency also revealed that ‘Dry Spell’ and the ‘Little Dry Season (LDS)’ also known as the mid-summer drought, where the weather becomes dry for an abnormally long time, is expected to occur simultaneously towards the end of July.

“The Dry Spell is expected to affect the Central and Northern States the most, expect lean rainfall in this region,” it stated.

In Lagos particularly, the country’s largest city, rainfall has exceeded predicted levels leading to flash floods along major roads, enabled by the city’s drainage problem.

In the early hours of June 3, the downpour began and persisted till later in the day trapping many motorists and Lagosians in a large beds of stagnant water, with cars engine deep in the inundation.

A traffic update by BusinessDay showed that roads around Iyana-Oworo, Olopo meji area towards 3rd mainland bridge were completely flooded, advising motorists to consider alternative routes.

NiMet has advised the public to make sure all drainage systems are cleared and properly maintained to prevent flash flooding during this time.