Weather Alert: Lagos Prepares for Rainy Season as Osogbo Recovers from Severe Storm

The Southwest region of Nigeria is already feeling the impact of the 2026 rainy season. While residents of Lagos are being warned to prepare for heavy rainfall starting Tuesday, people in Osogbo are still dealing with the damage caused by a powerful storm over the weekend.

Here’s a clear look at what’s happening across the region.

Lagos Set for Rainfall from Tuesday

The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has announced that the rainy season will fully begin in inland parts of the state on Tuesday, March 31.

Weather forecasts point to heavy rain with strong winds. Areas considered most at risk include low-lying communities such as Owode-Onirin, Iwaya, Makoko, and parts of Ikorodu, where flash flooding is likely.

The Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, has advised residents to take precautions. He urged people to clear drains around their homes and avoid dumping waste into canals, as blocked drainage systems often make flooding worse.

Osogbo Hit by Destructive Storm

While Lagos prepares, Osogbo has already experienced the harsh side of the season. A heavy rainstorm struck the city late Saturday night, causing widespread damage.

A major telecommunications mast was knocked down by strong winds and fell onto a residential building. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the damage to property was significant.

Several homes in areas like Oke-Baale and Gbonmi also had their roofs blown off, leaving many families displaced. In addition, fallen electricity poles and damaged power lines caused outages in parts of the city, with repair work still ongoing.

Staying Safe During the Rainy Season

With more rain expected, experts are advising residents to take simple steps to stay safe:

Check and secure roofing materials to prevent wind damage
Stay indoors during heavy storms and avoid flooded roads
Trim tree branches that could fall during strong winds
Keep important items and documents in safe, elevated places

What to Expect Going Forward

The early intensity of these rains matches earlier forecasts from Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which predicted above-normal rainfall for coastal states in 2026.

For Lagos, the coming days will test the strength of its drainage systems and other flood control measures. As the season begins, residents across the region are being urged to stay alert and prepared.