DELTA STATE FARMING WEATHER GUIDE 2025

by Akinmayowa Shobo | Aug 15, 2025 | Climate Justice, ejsd-Blog

🌧 DELTA STATE FARMING WEATHER GUIDE 2025

This guide explains exactly what this year’s weather means for your crops, fish ponds and livestock. 

RAIN PATTERNS 

1. Riverine Areas (Longest Rainy Season)

Places like Bomadi, Burutu, Patani:

🌧 First Rain: March 13-17

☀️ Last Rain: December 13-14

📅 Growing Days: 274-276 days

💧 Total Rain: 2457-2506mm 

What This Means:

• Very long growing season – you can farm almost year-round
• Prepare for possible flooding in low-areas
• Excellent for crops like plantain, waterleaf, and cassava

1. Middle Zones (Good Rainy Season)

Places like Ughelli, Sapele, Warri:

🌧 First Rain: March 17-22

☀️ Last Rain: December 9-12

📅 Growing Days: 262-272 days

💧 Total Rain: 2213-2426mm

What This Means:

• Good for most crops if planted on time
• Watch for waterlogging in heavy clay soils
• Perfect for oil palm, rubber, and maize

1. Northern Areas (Shorter Rainy Season)

Places like Aniocha, Ndokwa, Oshimili:

🌧 First Rain: March 21-29

☀️ Last Rain: December 5-9

📅 Growing Days: 251-262 days

💧 Total Rain: 2015-2231mm

What This Means:

• Shorter season than coastal areas but still good
• Best for yam, maize, and vegetables
• Need to store water for dry season

DRY SPELLS TO WATCH FOR

What is a Dry Spell?

When rain stops completely for 10+ days during rainy season.

April-May Dry Spell:

• Will last 10-15 days
• Most dangerous for new maize and vegetable farms

August Break (Little Dry Season):

• Starts July 25-31
• Lasts 10-14 days
• Will affect fruiting crops like plantain

BEST CROPS FOR EACH ZONE

For Riverine Farmers:

• Plant water-loving crops: plantain, waterleaf, cocoyam
• Grow floating rice varieties in flood-prone areas
• Fish farming will do very well

For Middle Zone Farmers:

• Oil palm and rubber plantations will thrive
• Maize grows well if planted before April 15
• Vegetables do well with proper drainage

For Northern Farmers:

• Yam grows best when planted early (March-April)
• Plant cassava on ridges to avoid waterlogging
• Groundnuts do well in well-drained soils

PROTECTING YOUR FARM

Before Heavy Rains:

• Build raised beds for crops that don’t like wet feet
• Clear drainage channels around fish ponds
• Prune oil palm and rubber trees before storms

During Dry Spells:

• Use mulch (dry grass/leaves) to keep soil moist
• Water seedlings early morning or late evening
• Avoid planting new crops during dry periods

CARE FOR YOUR FISH & ANIMALS

Fish Farmers:

• Strengthen pond walls before heavy rains
• Reduce feeding during cloudy weather
• Harvest fish before peak floods

Poultry Farmers:

• Raise chicken cages above flood level
• Add vitamins to drinking water during stress periods

Goat/Sheep Farmers:

• Provide dry resting platforms
• Deworm animals before rainy season peaks

SECTION 5: WHERE TO GET HELP

NiMet Contact for Delta State:

📞 Mr. Onyenobi O. Kennedy

☎️ 08035050810

📧 o.kennedy@nimet.gov.ng, onyewbikennedy@gmail.com

🌍 To download the SCP 2025, visit NiMeT website: https://www.nimet.gov.ng/scp

Remember:

• Share this information with fellow farmers
• Call for help if you notice unusual weather
• Attend local agriculture extension meetings
• Ask Questions: If you don’t understand something, call the NiMet number.
• For farmers in riverine areas, prepare for possible floods
• All farmers – watch for the August break

Social Media

X: @nimetnigeria

LinkedIn, Facebook, Youtube: @Nigerian Meteorological Agency

Instagram: officialnimetng

Summary of Predicted Onset Date, Cessation Date, Length of Season and Annual Rainfall Amounts for States and Local Government Areas for Delta state