El Niño: Lagos warns of extreme heat, dehydration

The Lagos State Government has warned residents to prepare for possible extreme heat, dehydration, and heatstroke, pointing to an emerging El Niño climate pattern and the transition into the dry season.

The government said Lagos could be particularly exposed because of its dense population, rapid urbanisation and concentration of buildings and roads that absorb and retain heat.

It consequently urged residents, employers and schools to take precautionary measures before conditions worsen.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning on Friday, saying changing climate patterns and seasonal conditions could bring unusual temperatures, dry spells, dust, and increased discomfort across the state.

In a statement obtained from the Lagos State Government’s information channels by The PUNCH, Wahab said that although the severity and local impact of the conditions would depend on prevailing weather patterns, residents should not wait for extreme conditions to emerge before preparing.

He said, “The strengthening El Niño climate pattern, alongside the seasonal transition into the dry season, could contribute to unusual temperature conditions, increased heat discomfort, dry spells, dust and deteriorating air quality.

“Although the intensity and local impact of these conditions would depend on prevailing weather patterns, residents must take the emerging climate risks seriously and prepare adequately.”

Wahab said Lagos’s urban landscape could intensify the effects of rising temperatures, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods and informal settlements where buildings, roads and other infrastructure absorb heat, while limited green spaces and poor ventilation offer little relief.

“The concentration of buildings, roads and other heat-absorbing infrastructure, coupled with limited green spaces and inadequate ventilation in some neighbourhoods, could intensify temperatures in built-up areas,” he said.

The commissioner warned that prolonged exposure to excessive heat could cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, with potentially serious consequences if not treated promptly.

He identified children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers, street traders, construction workers, waste handlers and people with underlying health conditions as particularly vulnerable.

He urged families, employers, schools and community leaders to pay special attention to these groups and ensure that protective measures were available to reduce their exposure.

The government also warned that rising temperatures could compound Lagos’s existing air-quality problems, particularly during the dry season when dust and haze may worsen respiratory irritation.

Wahab said people living with respiratory conditions could experience aggravated symptoms, while increased dependence on petrol- and diesel-powered generators during power interruptions could further deteriorate air quality in some communities.

He urged residents to avoid open burning of refuse and adopt measures to reduce exposure to heat and polluted air.

“Residents are advised to drink sufficient water regularly, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, seek shade and well-ventilated spaces, and reduce strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day,” he said.

He also called on schools, markets, workplaces and other public facilities to provide adequate ventilation, drinking water and shaded areas where people could take breaks.

Wahab urged residents to recognise the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea and muscle cramps, and to move anyone experiencing them to a cooler environment for immediate cooling assistance and medical attention where necessary.

He warned that sudden collapse or loss of consciousness should be treated as a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

“Residents with respiratory conditions are also advised to limit exposure to dusty environments and follow relevant health and air-quality advisories,” he added.

Beyond individual precautions, the commissioner called for coordinated action by government agencies, health institutions, businesses, environmental experts and community stakeholders to strengthen preparedness.

He urged residents and businesses to protect existing trees, plant more trees, preserve green spaces, dispose of waste properly and discourage activities that contribute to environmental degradation.

Wahab said the state government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and its agencies, would continue public awareness efforts and work with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency to strengthen preparedness and response to emerging environmental risks.