Tanzanian weather agency links rising temperatures to sun’s movement, dry spells
What you need to know:
- On February 52025, the Mlingano weather station in Tanga recorded a temperature of 36.0°C, which is 2.1°C above the long-term average for February
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has provided an explanation for the recent surge in temperatures across various parts of the country, attributing the phenomenon to the movement of the overhead sun and ongoing dry spells.
The elevated temperatures, particularly in regions that typically experience two rainy seasons annually, have become increasingly noticeable in recent months.
A weather analyst at TMA, Ms Joyce Mwakwata, clarified that the temperature rise is due to the southward movement of the overhead sun, coupled with a reduction in rainfall across many areas.
The overhead sun reaches its peak at the end of November as it moves south towards the Tropic of Capricorn, and again in February when it shifts northward towards the Tropic of Cancer.
"The overhead sun results in an increase in temperature because the Earth's surface in the affected regions is closer to the sun than in other areas," Ms Mwakwata explained.
On February 52025, the Mlingano weather station in Tanga recorded a temperature of 36.0°C, which is 2.1°C above the long-term average for February.
Other areas saw similar temperature increases, with Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam recording 35.0°C, up by 2.2°C, and Tanga station reporting 35.1°C, a rise of 2.3°C.
Kibaha reached 35.8°C on 10 February, up by 3.0°C, while Kilimanjaro saw temperatures of 34.3°C on 9 February, an increase of 0.6°C.
Ms Mwakwata further noted that such high temperatures have not been witnessed in the country for some time.
Additionally, she highlighted that increased humidity, particularly in coastal regions, has exacerbated the perceived heat.
Periods of elevated temperatures are expected to persist throughout February 2025, especially in areas where the short rainy season (Vuli) has come to an end.
In light of these conditions, TMA has urged the public to stay updated on weather forecasts and seek sector-specific advice to mitigate the effects of the rising temperatures and other extreme weather conditions.
