EL NIÑO: EXTREME HEAT GRIPS NIGERIA AS NIMET, NEMA WARN OF RISING WEATHER RISKS.
By Desmond Nigeria is facing growing concerns over extreme heat as the El Niño climate phenomenon strengthens, prompting warnings about possible health risks, changing rainfall patterns and threats to agriculture and food security. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) confirmed the onset of a strong El Niño event in its August 2026 climate update, while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Nigerians to take precautionary measures against its possible effects. According to recent reports, temperatures have reached 41°C in Nguru, Yobe State, and 34°C in Lagos, highlighting the intense heat being experienced in parts of the country. NiMet has also warned of hotter conditions and increased heat discomfort as Nigeria moves into the dry season. What Is El Niño? El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when the surface waters of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal. This warming affects atmospheric ci...