By PETER UWUMAROGIE

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has said that Gombe State would experience 143 days of rain this season.

The Agency stated this during the presentation of its 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).

This is contained in a statement by Ms Lydia Simon-Bawa, the Desk Officer, Climate Change, Gombe State Ministry of Water, Environment and Forest Resources, on Monday in Gombe.

She said the onset date of rainy season for the state would begin on May 25 in Shongom Local Government Area, and would later occur on June 12 in Nafada.

“The rain is predicted to stay shortly for 112 days in Nafada and stay much longer for 143 days in Yamaltu/Deba LGA.

“The cessation of rainfall is predicted to occur on Oct. 14 in Nafada and would occur much later on Nov. 4 in Yamaltu/Deba LGA.

“The annual rainfall amount is predicted to be below normal and is expected to be between the range of 606mm to 789mm rainfall.

“The prediction shows that Nafada is likely to observe minimum amount of 606mm while Shongom is likely record maximum of 789mm.”

According to Simin-Bawa, a severe dry spell is predicted in the month of July for up to 15 or more days across Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye LGAs.

She said that day and night time temperature for May was predicted to be warmer than normal, adding the prediction showed that there would be strong windstorms across the country and sandstorms in the extreme northern states of which Gombe is among.

She advised relevant agencies and residents of the state to de-silt drains to avoid breeding mosquitoes and flooding that might destroy lives and property.

While urging residents to desist from dumping of waste in water ways, Simon-Bawa said advised farmers to leverage the prediction and carry out their activities in a manner that would ensure they were not impacted negatively. (NAN)

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