Oyo warns residents of heavy rainfall tonight, urges caution

The Oyo State Government, through the state Emergency Management Agency, on Tuesday alerted residents to expect heavy rainfall tonight and in the coming days, particularly within Ibadan metropolis and its outskirts.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, announced this in a statement released by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital.

He urged residents, especially those whose workplaces are far from their homes, to plan their movements early and ensure they reach their destinations before the rain begins to avoid being stranded.

The commissioner also advised people to secure their windows and belongings before leaving their homes or offices.

Aderinto, in his statement on Tuesday, said, “The gradual onset of the rainy season is underway, with forecasts indicating intense rainfall activity. There is no flood warning at this time, but the rain will be heavy.”

He urged the public to take precautionary measures, including securing homes before leaving, planning movements early, and ensuring they reach their destinations ahead of the rain to avoid being stranded.

Aderinto also assured residents that relevant agencies would continue providing timely updates throughout the rainy season to ensure public safety and preparedness across the state.

The statement read in full, “The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Aderinto, has advised the public that there will be heavy rainfall in the coming days, particularly on the evening of today, March 31, 2026, according to the state Emergency Management Agency.

“The advisory aligns with the gradual onset of the rainy season, with Ibadan expected to experience intense rainfall in the coming days. Although no major flooding is anticipated in critical areas, residents are urged to brace themselves and take necessary precautions.

“This notice is strictly a heavy rainfall advisory and not a flood warning. Members of the public are therefore urged not to raise false alarms about flooding.

“Some locations may experience heavy rainfall, and residents should remain calm while taking appropriate safety measures.

“Members of the public, particularly those whose workplaces are far from their homes, are encouraged to plan movements early and ensure they reach their destinations before the rain begins.

“Residents are also advised to secure windows and other belongings before leaving homes or offices.

“Relevant government agencies will continue to issue timely advisories to keep residents informed and ensure public safety throughout the rainy season.”

Online reports that the city experienced its first rainfall this year on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The rain started around 8:20 pm and stopped by 8:50 pm, affecting communities in Akinyele, Lagelu, Ibadan North, Ibadan North East, Ibadan South East, Egbeda, Oluyole, and Ido Local Government Areas.

It would also be recalled that in 2024, residents of some parts of the city experienced their first rain on Thursday, January 4, while in 2025, the first rainfall occurred on Sunday, February 2.