Weather experts predict dry conditions up to February

Weather experts predict dry conditions up to February

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