El Niño: What You Should Know

As temperatures rise and extreme heat becomes a growing concern across Nigeria, understanding El Niño and taking precautions could help protect lives.

If you have been wondering why the weather feels unusually hot lately, why stepping outside feels like walking into an oven, or why even staying indoors does not always provide relief, you are certainly not alone.

Across Nigeria, concerns about rising temperatures and uncomfortable heat conditions are attracting increasing attention. The heat is becoming a serious public-health issue, particularly for children, older people, pregnant women and those whose jobs require them to spend long hours outdoors.

One climate phenomenon attracting attention is El Niño, which is currently strengthening and influencing weather patterns around the world. Scientists warn that this developing climate event could contribute to above-average temperatures in many parts of the world, alongside changes in rainfall patterns.

For Nigerians, this is a timely reminder that extreme heat should not be dismissed as ordinary hot weather. It can affect our health, productivity, daily activities and even our ability to sleep comfortably.

So, what exactly is El Niño, why is everyone talking about it, and, more importantly, how can you protect yourself and your family?

WHAT IS EL NIÑO?

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when the surface waters of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become unusually warm.

This warming disrupts normal wind patterns and atmospheric circulation, influencing weather conditions across different parts of the world.

Although the phenomenon originates thousands of kilometres away from Nigeria, its effects can be felt across continents through changes in temperature, rainfall and seasonal weather patterns.

El Niño is part of a climate system known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has three phases: El Niño (warming), La Niña (cooling) and neutral conditions.

The current El Niño event is particularly significant because international climate monitoring agencies have reported that it is strengthening. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the event could contribute to above-average temperatures across large parts of the world, with its influence potentially extending into early 2027.

WHY DOES IT FEEL SO HOT?

One of the major concerns surrounding the current El Niño event is its potential contribution to unusually high temperatures.

During El Niño, changes in ocean temperatures influence atmospheric circulation and redistribute heat around the planet. This can increase the likelihood of temperature extremes in different regions.

However, it is important to understand that El Niño is not the only reason Nigeria experiences extreme heat. Local weather conditions, humidity, the transition into the dry season, changing rainfall patterns and the urban heat-island effect also play important roles.

In cities such as Lagos, the situation can be particularly uncomfortable. Buildings, roads, concrete surfaces and other infrastructure absorb and retain heat. Limited green spaces and inadequate ventilation in some neighborhoods can make the environment feel even hotter.

High humidity also makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate from the skin. Since sweating is one of the body’s natural cooling mechanisms, this can make hot conditions particularly dangerous.

The Lagos State Government has already warned residents about possible extreme heat conditions, identifying children, pregnant women, older people and outdoor workers among those who require additional protection.

The warning is a reminder that heat exposure is not merely an inconvenience. It can become a serious medical emergency.

HOW EXTREME HEAT AFFECTS YOUR BODY

When temperatures rise, the human body works harder to maintain its normal internal temperature.

Sweating increases, the heart works harder to circulate blood towards the skin, and the body loses water and essential salts.

If these losses are not adequately replaced, dehydration can occur.

Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can lead to heat exhaustion, which may cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, excessive sweating and muscle cramps.

In more severe situations, a person can develop heatstroke. This is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system becomes overwhelmed.

Heatstroke can cause confusion, seizures, collapse, loss of consciousness and damage to vital organs. Immediate medical attention is essential.

Extreme heat can also worsen existing health conditions, including cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. It can interfere with sleep, reduce concentration and make everyday activities more physically demanding.

SEVEN WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM EXTREME HEAT

As temperatures rise, taking simple precautions can make a significant difference.

1. Drink water regularly

Do not wait until you feel thirsty before drinking water. Make it a habit to drink safe water regularly throughout the day, particularly when spending time outdoors.

Carry a bottle of water when travelling, working or running errands. People who sweat heavily may need additional fluids.

Remember that alcohol and excessive caffeine are not suitable substitutes for drinking water. If you have been advised to restrict your fluid intake for medical reasons, follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.

2. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak heat

Where possible, reduce strenuous physical activities during the hottest part of the day, particularly around midday and early afternoon.

If you must work outdoors, take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas.

Traders, construction workers, traffic officers, security personnel, delivery riders and other outdoor workers should be particularly careful.

Employers should provide drinking water, rest periods and shaded spaces for workers.

3. Wear light, breathable clothing

Choose loose-fitting clothes made from lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton.

Avoid tight, heavy clothing that traps heat. A wide-brimmed hat, cap or umbrella can provide additional protection when walking under direct sunlight.

Sunscreen can also protect exposed skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation, although it does not prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

4. Keep your home as cool as possible

Close curtains or blinds to prevent direct sunlight from heating indoor spaces.

Improve ventilation by opening windows when outdoor conditions are cooler and it is safe to do so.

Fans can help improve comfort, while air conditioning can provide additional cooling where available.

If your home becomes excessively hot, consider spending time in a cooler public or indoor environment.

Never leave children, elderly people or pets inside parked vehicles. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.

5. Pay special attention to children and older people

Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Check regularly on elderly relatives, neighbors and people who may be living alone. Ensure that children drink water regularly and have opportunities to rest in cool, shaded environments.

Pregnant women and people living with chronic medical conditions should also take additional precautions.

Do not assume that someone is fine simply because they are not complaining about the heat.

6. Recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Knowing the symptoms can help save lives.

Heat exhaustion may cause:

• Excessive sweating.
• Headaches and dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Muscle cramps.
• Weakness and unusual tiredness.
• Feeling faint.

If someone develops these symptoms, move them to a cool place, loosen unnecessary clothing and begin cooling their body with cool water, wet towels or other available methods. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or do not improve quickly.

Heatstroke is much more dangerous. Warning signs include confusion, seizures, collapse or loss of consciousness.

Treat suspected heatstroke as a medical emergency. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately and begin rapid cooling while waiting for help. Do not give fluids to someone who is confused or unconscious.

7. Follow official weather and health advisories

Do not rely entirely on what you see or feel outside. Pay attention to weather updates and public-health warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities.

Weather conditions can vary significantly between states and even between neighboring communities.

Stay informed about local temperature forecasts, rainfall expectations and other environmental warnings.

WHAT CAN GOVERNMENTS AND COMMUNITIES DO?

Protecting people from extreme heat requires more than individual action.

Governments should strengthen early-warning systems and ensure that weather information reaches vulnerable communities promptly.

Schools, markets, workplaces and public facilities should provide access to drinking water, adequate ventilation and shaded resting areas.

Urban planners should prioritize tree planting, parks, green spaces and sustainable building designs that reduce heat accumulation.

Employers should also introduce appropriate workplace heat-safety measures, particularly for people who work outdoors.

Communities can contribute by protecting existing trees, planting more vegetation, avoiding indiscriminate waste burning and checking on vulnerable neighbors.

These interventions can help reduce exposure to excessive heat and improve community resilience.

THE BOTTOM LINE: TAKE THE HEAT SERIOUSLY!

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon, but its potential effects, combined with global warming and local environmental conditions, make extreme heat an issue that deserves serious attention.

For Nigerians, the message is simple: do not underestimate the heat. See Tips To Avoid Heatstroke In Hot Weather.

Drink water regularly, dress appropriately, avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, keep your surroundings cool and pay attention to vulnerable members of your family.

Most importantly, learn to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and seek medical help when necessary.

Extreme heat is not just about feeling uncomfortable or sweating more than usual. It can threaten lives, particularly when people ignore the warning signs.

As the world continues to experience changing climate conditions, awareness and preparedness remain our strongest everyday defenses.

Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Look out for one another. Your health is too important to take the heat for granted.

Sources and verification

El Niño – Lagos warns residents of possible extreme heat

Sea-surface temperatures reflect strengthening El Niño