Tanzania weather agency predicts below average rains in 13 regions

Dar es Salaam. Residents of 13 regions should brace for decreased water levels in reservoirs and rivers, as well as outbreaks of water-borne diseases, as the weatherman predicts below-average rainfall in the area.

Basically, Tanzania experiences two rainy seasons.

The heaviest rains, commonly known as Masika, usually fall from mid-March to May, and the shorter rainy period, commonly known as Vuli, occurs from October to December.

The Tanzania Metrological Authority (TMA) said on Thursday, August 22 that this year’s Vuli season will see a prolonged dry spells and poor distribution of below-normal rainfall in most parts of the areas of the 13 regions and cause a soil moisture deficit.

The regions include Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Mara, and the northern part of Kigoma, Morogoro, Coast (including Mafia Island), Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Unguja, Pemba, Arusha, Manyara, and Kilimanjaro.

The TMA’s Acting Director General, Dr Ladislaus Chang'a, said in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, August 22 that the climate outlook for Vuli season indicates that below-normal to normal rainfall conditions as well as warmer than usual temperatures are expected across bimodal areas during the season.

“Generally, below normal to normal rains are expected over most parts of the northern coast and northeastern highlands. However, normal to below-normal rains are expected over the Lake Victoria Basin during the Vuli 2024 rainfall season,” he said.

According to him, the rains are expected to start during the fourth week of September 2024 over the western part of the Lake Victoria Basin and spread in other areas during October 2024.

Vuli rains are expected to cease during the fourth week of December.

Dr Chang’a said during the Vuli 2024 rainy season, reduced soil moisture is expected in many bimodal areas, especially over the north-eastern highlands and the northern coast. This situation is expected to affect crop growth.

In addition, crop pests and diseases are expected to increase in the season, thus affecting crop production. Similarly, availability of forest products such as honey is expected to be affected due to water deficiencies and insufficient flowering.

“Farmers are advised to use sustainable farming methods and technologies to conserve water and soil moisture. In addition, they are advised to prepare farms in time and plant early-maturing and drought-tolerant crops,” he urged.

The anticipated below-normal rainfall is likely to cause food scarcity, thus causing conflict between wildlife and the neighbouring community.

“The authorities responsible are recommended to educate the communities at risk to take precautionary measures regarding the likely impacts. On the other hand, the community at risk is advised to report intrusion of wild animals in their domicile,” he said.

The transportation sector, especially land transport, is likely to benefit from the expected few rains during the season.

It is advised that rehabilitation of the infrastructure should be planned and implemented in this period.

A decrease in water levels in rivers, reservoirs, and aquifer recharge is likely to occur in most of the areas, especially where below-normal rainfall is forecast.

The authority called for proper water allocation and to use available water sustainably for mineral processing, power generation, industrial, domestic, and other uses.

Journalists are advised to seek and make use of sectoral advice from experts to prepare and disseminate sector-wide articles and reports in simple language with the aim of informing and educating the public on the use of the forecasts in mitigating the effects of adverse weather conditions, including shortages of rain.