Some regions of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, encountered the initial rainfall of 2024 in the early hours of Thursday.
According to NAN, the gentle rain commenced around 12:30 am, lasting for approximately 25 minutes before ceasing at 12:55 am. Notably, the unanticipated rain lacked lightning, strong winds, and thunderstorms. It was observed in locations such as Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, Garki in Abuja Municipal Area Council, as well as Dutse, Zuba, Bwari, Gwagwalada, and Mararaba.
Residents in these areas shared mixed sentiments about the rainfall. Mrs. Anna Jonah, a Kubwa resident, acknowledged the brief relief it brought from the recent heatwave. However, she expressed concern that the light rain might lead to heightened temperatures if another downpour is delayed.
“Before the rain started, I was lying down on the tiled floor in my room to get some relief from the heat and I had also taken a cold bath twice because of sweat.
“However, after the rain, I moved to the bed with my husband and we had sound sleep, because of the mild coldness that accompanied it.
“The concern is that a light rain like this might increase the heat in the coming days, especially as NiMet recently predicted a delay in rain in the North-Central states,” she said.
Lawal Sale, a resident of Garki, said the rain was a bit heavy in the area and all the cars parked by occupants of his quarter that had accumulated dust were washed off by the raindrops.
Sale also confirmed relief from the intense heat witnessed in the FCT in the past days.
He, however, said the relief might be shortlived and advised farmers not to rush to planting because the rain might not be consistent.