Weather
experts predict dry conditions up to February
KAMPALA
.Although some areas are currently receiving some rainfall at a time it is
expected to be dry, metrologists have predicted that most parts of the country
will experience dry spells through the month of February.
According
to weather experts, this condition is as a result of slightly warmer than
average Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) which are expected to continue towards
the end of January.
“Overall,
the forecast indicates that most parts of the country are expected to remain
sunny and dry over January and February,” said Mr Micheal S.Z Nkalubo, the
commissioner for meteorology in a statement yesterday .
However,
Mr Nkalubo said a few areas around Lake Victoria basin and south western
districts of Kabale, Kisoro and Kanungu are expected to experience occasional
light to moderate rainfall during this same period.
Normally,
January to February is usually a dry season which gives farmers an opportunity
to open up their gardens in preparation for the first rainy season starting March.
Due to poor rainfall distribution between September –December last year, many
farmers especially those in the central, western regions planted late, thus recording
poor harvests.
According
to the weather outlook for January –February, the eastern region is likely to
experience generally dry conditions up to February although occasional light to
moderate rains are expected to be experienced in isolated places . Apart from Kampala,
Kalangala and Wakiso which will experience occasional light to moderate rains,
other areas in the Central and the Lake Victoria basin region will generally be
dry. The same weather conditions will also be experienced in West while the Northern
region will be generally be dry.
The negative potential impacts of
the forecasted poor rainfall distribution for January-February include; poor
crop performance, reduced pasture and water for animals and shortage of poor
food production and supply in some areas.
Uganda has two major rain seasons (March-May) and (September
–December) but due to climate change, the rainfall these days delays and fall
unexpectedly.
Last
year, government doubted the meteorological department’s ability to predict
weather patterns, saying it needed to be strengthened.
Other
potential impacts for forecasted weather conditions:
.High temperatures especially
during the day may give rise to heat waves, which is a potential health risk
·
There is an increased likelihood of problems
associated with dust and dust storms in some areas especially Karamoja region
as a result of dry conditions
·
In some areas irrigation can be used for short
maturing crops like vegetables
·
Land preparation is encouraged in order to utilise
the long rains of March to May 2014
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