For people living in low-lying areas like Bwaise, Nateete as well as those living on steep slopes in Rwenzori and Elgon mountains, the coming three months will be particularly difficult as the risk of floods and landslides rises because of the expected increase in rainfall.

The warnings were contained in a detailed weather forecast that was released by the ministry of water and environment through its department of Meteorology on Thursday March 4, this week.

In the country-wide weather forecast for the months March-May, the department said: “Overall, there is an increased likelihood of near normal to above normal rainfall over most parts f the western, central, Lake Victoria and eastern Uganda.”

“On the other hand, there is an increased likelihood of normal to below normal rainfall over most parts of central northern region,” added the statement.

The weather experts added: “There are high chances that flooding will once again occur in flood-prone areas of central, eastern and western Uganda.”
The officials further advised that local communities shift to higher grounds to avoid flood-prone low lying areas.

In addition, the ministry warned of other disasters arising from landslides in mountainous regions as well as gusty winds, hailstorms and lightening.

Opportunities

While the abnormal rains could spell doom for hundreds of people around the country, weather experts pointed to some potential benefits, particularly for agriculture that could be harnessed from the heavy rains.

“For the most part of the country, this is expected to be a good season for agricultural production due to the near normal to above normal rains that are expected.”
The experts however warned that the weather forecast is only 70 percent accurate, hinting that slight deviations from the predictions could occur.

Central and Lake Victoria basin

The Central and Lake Victoria basin is currently receiving outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms signifying early onset of seasonal rains. The steady rains however, are expected to intensify with the peak occurring around mid-April.

Eastern region

For the Eastern region which is also experiencing outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms, which are now intensifying marking the onset of steady rains. The steady rains are expected to continue with slight relaxation around mid April. The peak of the steady rains in this region is expected around late April through to early May.

Karamoja

The Karamoja region which has been experiencing its normal dry season is expected to receive rainfall from late March /early April with a peak occurring around mid April.

Northern region

For the northern region, occasional showers are expected to intensify leading to the onset of steady rains late March/ early April. The peaks of steady rains are expected around late April/early May.
 
West Nile region

The West Nile region is expected to start experiencing rains from mid March with easing around late May to early June when the main season for this region starts.

Western region

The steady rains for the Western region are expected to increase with the main peak around mid April and the cessation is expected mid May. blog comments powered by Disqus

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