It gets to a specific period in the year and everywhere suddenly gets wet. During the rainy season, which is what this period is called, the entire place gets so wet the majority of the time that stairs and roads are slippery, cars get damaged, canals, gutters, and dams are overflowing and some buildings get flooded. People are unexpectedly drenched by water that they become ill.
Considering the circumstances mentioned above, the rainy season seems to contradict the evergreen song water e no get enemy by late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Therefore, this piece looks at the rainy season, when it is its period in Nigeria, while rain is important and how people should prepare for the season.
What is the rainy season?
The rainy season is when most of a country or region’s average annual rainfall occurs. Rain is liquid water condensed from the atmosphere, falling visibly in separate droplets. It is a significant component of the water cycle.
The rainy season sees a heavy descent of water from the sky that falls on the earth. During this period, a large quantity of water rapidly falls in a single bust or drop, or it does so in intermittent gaps. As a result of the enormous volume of water, the environment suddenly gets wet and drenches whoever and whatever is left unprotected without a shelter in water. The weather on its own becomes cold and cool.
It occurs in virtually every country globally, but its occurrence is more pronounced in countries classified under tropical, temperate, and continental climates under the Köppen climate classification. Countries located around areas filled with desert receive the least rainfall annually.
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When is the rainy season in Nigeria?
Nigeria, the 32nd largest country in the world, is mainly known for its tropical climate. This means that rain falls annually in the country. According to a study by the University of Northern Iowa, rain falls between 500 and 1,500 millimetres (20 and 60 inches) per year. However, the pattern of rainfall differs across regions in the country.
For example, the southern part of Nigeria, which metrological experts classify as the tropical monsoon climate variant, experiences heavy and abundant rainfall. Rain in this region begins around late February/March, peaks in June, and falls till August when there is a little break. It then resumes in September and falls to early November. So, this is a combination of two high rainfall peaks and a short dry season before the long dry season starts in November up to February/March of the following year.
In the northern part of the country, the annual rainfall totals are low. This can be attributed to its semi-arid climate as a huge chunk of the area is located along the Sahel region of the country. Unlike the southern region, which witnesses two peak periods, rain in the northern region major occurs for three to four months, within June to September. The peak of the rainy season in this region is the month of August.
However, in central Nigeria, which is geopolitically known as the North-Central region, the rainfall pattern aligns with that of southern Nigeria, even though it is closer to northern Nigeria geographically. This area is known for its tropical savanna climate variant, and the rain falls from March to September. However, its difference with the southern region is that its peak period is a single one ranging from July to September.
It is important to state that variations have occurred to this timetable as a result of climate change. Rain fell in August 2021, which is usually the ” heavenly showers break month, albeit sparingly. It has also provided a “welcome to a new year” moment at least twice in January for the last two years.
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Why is rain important?
Even though some aspects of rain, as alluded to in the introduction, seem to be inconvenient and damaging, the truth is that this spectacle of nature is very critical to the survival of the human race.
The following elucidates why rain is important:
Agriculture
When rain falls moderately, it is a good period for farmers. Plants need water to survive, and moderate rainfall is very important to the survival of crops. The soil soaks the rainwater, which plants require for their nutrition. Vegetation tends to grow substantially as the crops are watered as a result of the rain, thereby leading to crops being bountiful for harvesting later in the year.
The harvesting of the crops provides the food which we, humans, consume. Therefore, without proper rainfall, a society can suffer from drought, which would lead to famine (a lack of food). Both the human and animal populations will suffer a catastrophe if such a situation occurs.
Water quality and reserve
Rain provides the freshwater needed to fill the various bodies of water such as oceans, seas, lakes, canals, rivers, ponds, and streams. It is the purest of water that multiplies the already flowing bodies of water.
It also serves as a source of drinking water. Direct rainwater is pure as it is distilled water evaporated from the sun. Many communities around the world depend on rainwater as their primary source of drinking water. Uncontaminated rainwater does not contain any chlorine or other chemicals. However, since most of the rainwater collected in this part of the world is mainly from the roof, such water should be treated properly – by distilling it through boiling.
Rainwater also helps with irrigation in agriculture. Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil through various systems of tubes, pumps, and sprays. It is typically employed in places with water shortage, irregular rainfall patterns, or in areas where drought is expected. When the pipes or hoes are laid and well-connected, the stored rainwater helps to water the crops, gives them life, and subsequently helps for their cultivation, as earlier explained.
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Temperate/cool weather
After living their lives for a while, Christians and Muslims are called to reflect on their lives during the solemn periods of Lent and Ramadan, respectively. That solemn nature is exactly what rain brings to the world’s atmosphere.
After almost five months of the harsh, unforgiving hot sun in most parts of the world, the rain then cools the atmosphere. It lowers the temperature of the atmosphere as everywhere becomes cool. The heat drastically reduces, thereby also lessening the rate of sweating for human beings and enabling them to sleep comfortably at night. This also leads to a great improvement in…
Air quality
During the rainy season, the air quality drastically improves. When rain falls, it attracts tens to hundreds of tiny aerosol particles to its surface before hitting the ground. It then undergoes the process of coagulation, a natural phenomenon that can act to clear the air of pollutants. Rain washes most of the common air pollutants, aerosols, and pollen, thereby boosting the increase in the quality of air.
It is, therefore, a natural cleanser for the earth.
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Safety tips for the rainy season
The following are safety tips for individuals to follow during the rainy season:
- Always carry your umbrellas or raincoats and wear your rain boots if you are in a swampy area.
- Wear thick clothes to fully protect your body, especially if rain unexpectedly meets you while you are not anywhere close to a shelter
- As the season gets colder, have a cardigan to keep yourself warmer
- Regulate the use of fans and/or air conditioner as the weather is already cold
- Ensure you have a warm shower if the rain beats you
- Halt all outdoor activities once you hear the sound of thunder for safety reasons.
- Avoid coming in contact with metal poles and electrical wires, especially if your body is wet.
- Maintain hygiene and cleanliness by ensuring your home is neat to avoid illness.
- Regularly use insecticides for your rooms at home as mosquitoes move around widely during the rainy season.
- Avoid stagnant water and floods.
- Reduce eating junk food or meals cooked outside as you cannot vouch for the conditions in which they were prepared
- Reduce the intake of cold water and drinks; instead, sip lots of warm water and hot tea or coffee to help prevent dehydration.
- Wear full-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks while going to sleep
- All raw foods such as vegetables and fruits should be properly washed and cleaned before consumption.
- Check your phone to keep up with weather updates.
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