El Niño and Your Health: What Nigerians Must Do Before the Heat Peaks

As the heat intensifies, Nigerians must take precautions to protect their health. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has recorded temperatures as high as 41°C in Nguru, Yobe State, and 34°C in Lagos. The agency has issued a heat stress alert, warning of temperatures between 40 and 45°C in some northern states. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed the presence of a "Super El Niño," with a seasonal average Pacific temperature anomaly of about 3.7°C above normal.

This would be the highest since observations began and could lead to an estimated 451,000 additional heat deaths worldwide by February 2027, with 31,400 occurring in Nigeria. Heat-related deaths often go unreported, as the record names the failing organ but rarely mentions the role of extreme weather. Rainfall deficits have also been recorded across the Sahel, including parts of Nigeria, raising concerns about water scarcity and related health issues such as diarrhoea, cholera, and malnutrition.

Those most at risk include people over 65, children under five, individuals with chronic conditions, outdoor workers, and pregnant women. To stay safe, it is crucial to drink water regularly, keep sleeping rooms ventilated, avoid leaving anyone in parked cars, and recognize the danger signs of heatstroke. Employers and foremen must provide breaks and water, while individuals should be aware of their own risk factors and take necessary precautions.