December in Nigeria Used to Be Cold — So Why Was It So Hot?

We expected the harmattan in Nigeria, but it gave us a double dose of heat; here’s what really happened.

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2025 December harmattan season has got many people in Nigeria speculating, with many wondering if we have just one season in Nigeria - the one that causes sweat and a stinging sensation on the skin; and if our sweaters will ever make it out of our wardrobes.

For non-Nigerians or those unfamiliar with the harmattan season in Nigeria. It is a period known for dusty winds blowing from the Sahara Desert. It usually brings cooler temperatures, especially at night, and typically lasts from late November or early December until late February or early March.

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It is a season many Nigerians look forward to because it helps calm an already hot climate in most regions and gives just the right signature feel for Christmas in December. Usually known for children drawing circles and funny messages on dusty car windshields. Lips chapped, prompting the season-long use of lip balms. Legs and hands dry and white, palms are rubbed together to generate warmth, bonnets take-over to protect hair from the cold and damage, and sweaters of every color and pattern finally get their moment.

And then there’s that small but unforgettable joy: clothes drying quickly on the line even when the sun isn’t fully out. Nights were calm. Fans were optional. Stepping outside didn’t feel like punishment.

But this past December? It was a completely different story.

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It felt as though someone shut the door against harmattan and turned up the heat instead. Across many parts of Nigeria, temperatures were unusually high, with only a few states experiencing some relief, while other states recorded unpredictable temperature fluctuations, especially in the North.

Instead of harmattan, we got heat. The kind that makes you sweat before 9 a.m. The kind that had people asking, “Is this really December?” Christmas outfits felt too heavy, sleep was uncomfortable, and fans worked overtime: if there was even electricity to power them in the first place.

Many really felt something happened with the weather, including the Nigerian reading now, and trust me it wasn’t your imagination or in your head; something really did happen.

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Harmattan didn’t completely disappear, but it definitely didn’t behave the way we’re used to. So the big question is: why did December feel hotter than normal in Nigeria, when we were supposed to be enjoying cool harmattan weather?

The harmattan winds did not disappear this year, but they were noticeably weaker and behaved differently. Instead of the strong rush of cool, dry air from the Sahara that normally lowers temperatures. In many areas, the winds were not strong enough to counter rising temperatures, making the cooling effect of harmattan barely noticeable.

Scientists link this to shifting climate patterns driven by a warming atmosphere, which is altering wind strength, timing, and behavior across regions. In other words, the usual harmattan train pulled into the station… but it was running late and weaker than what Nigerians are used to.

We actually saw the signs from the beginning of the year. Inconsistent rainfall patterns; raining when it wasn’t supposed to rain, only for the sun to come out shortly in its full glory with intense heat, as if it never rained at all.

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Some may even welcome the milder harmattan, especially since the season is often associated with respiratory issues, dry skin, and increased fire outbreaks when not properly managed. But the truth is, these disruptions go far beyond temporary comfort.

When normal weather patterns are interrupted, the impacts ripple through critical sectors. Agriculture is one of the hardest hit, affecting crop production, planting seasons, pest outbreaks, and farmers’ ability to build resilience. Health systems are also strained, as changing climate conditions influence disease patterns and heat-related illnesses. Ultimately, these effects trickle down to the economy, affecting food security, livelihoods, and national stability.

So yes, there is reason to be concerned when long-standing weather patterns are disrupted. Over time, I’ve learned that while natural climate changes often come with built-in systems that help ecosystems adapt, human-driven interruptions are far more difficult to manage. In many cases, we end up biting off more than we can realistically chew.

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So now we know what may have happened with the turn of harmattan in Nigeria last December. In my next post, I’ll be highlighting to you some of our actions that over time, contributed to this, and even the actions of those who walked the earth before us.

I would explain what we can do to contribute to restoring our climate. Even if we don’t necessarily see the change in our time, we can create a safer and healthier climate for our children and their children and many generations to come. Yeah! our actions are that linked and even transgenerational at that. Till I pen again, you may want to jump on THIS.

See you soon, and yes, stay green! Bye for now.