Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has explained reason for the sudden weather change in Abuja on Friday that brought about the first rainfall of the year accompanied by strong wind.
The agency said the rainfall does not in anyway signify the onset of 2014 raining season and cannot be attributed to climate change.
According to a statement by the Director-General of NiMet, Dr. Anthony Anuforo, that type of weather occasionally occurs in January when the atmosphere becomes unstable and there is enough moisture in the atmosphere.
He explained that the unusual heat experienced in Abuja and environs over the last couple of days is connected with the moisture build up in the atmosphere.
Anuforo said NiMet forecast office at Abuja airport as early as 4.00 a.m. disseminated information to airlines while updates were also issued periodically and transmitted to pilots through the appropriate channel in accordance with standard procedures.
The statement reads in part, “That weather condition was due to a rapid northward movement of the line of demarcation between the South-westerly winds that bring moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and the dry North-easterly winds from the Sahara desert.
“This led to the influx of moisture inland up to about latitude 10oN (i.e. north of Abuja) resulting in the thunderstorms with strong winds.
“This type of weather occasionally occurs in January when the atmosphere becomes unstable and there is enough moisture in the atmosphere.
“The unusual heat experienced in Abuja and environs over the last couple of days is connected with the moisture build up in the atmosphere.
“It is important to state that this is not the onset (or beginning) of 2014 rainy season in Abuja as the condition is only temporary and is expected to return to normal very soon.
“The observed weather development is not as a result of Climate Change. The usual January weather will still prevail over the area.
“NiMet will closely monitor the weather developments continuously and provide further update as it evolves.
“We seize this opportunity to inform the public that NiMet has concluded the preparation of the Seasonal Weather Outlook for 2014. This will soon be presented to the Nigerian public”.
