The federal government will on February 20th, 2024, release the annual Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), which offers diverse sectors climate and weather data to memebers of the public and various sectors of the economy including aviation,agriculture, construction, water resource management and healthcare.
Charles Anosike, the director general of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), made the announcement in Abuja, regarding the public release of the 2024 SCP.
The Director General also mentioned that Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, has endorsed the date for the public presentation of the 2024 SCP.
According to him, NiMet has already produced a draft of the 2024 SCP document, which is currently undergoing validation.
He disclosed that plans for a stakeholder meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024, which aims to address the socio-economic implications of the forecast across various sectors and integrate insights into the final document.
Over the year, the SCP provides vital information such as the onset and cessation dates of rainfall, rainfall amounts, length of the growing season, temperature predictions, and various other details.
Farmers, for example, can leverage the SCP’s analysis of rainfall amounts, soil moisture, farm practices, and plant phenology. This information enables them to optimize planting schedules, water usage, and pest control strategies, ultimately maximizing their yields.
The SCP takes into account regional nuances, providing localized forecasts such as dry spells, little dry season (LDS), malaria vigilance, and meningitis vigilance. This empowers communities to prepare for potential health risks and environmental challenges in their specific areas.
Anosike emphasized NiMet’s intention to engage partners such as the World Meteorological Agency (WMO), the United Nations (UN), and the private sector in this year’s event.
This collaborative approach is driven by the recognition that weather significantly influences various sectors of the economy.
