Malawi to Experience Normal Rainfall in 2019-2020 Season.

Department of climate change and metrological services has said normal rainfall amount are expected over most parts of Malawi during October 2019 to March 2020 rainfall season.

Speaking to journalists at a press conference in Blantyre, director of the department, Jolam Nkhokwe said this is because of neutral El nino and Lanina in Indian ocean.

Nkhokwe said though the amount of rainfall will be normal there is probability of heavy rains, strong winds and lightening which will cause damages.

“Climate analyses on the past neutral-ENSO years show that the country had timely onset of rains and generally normal cumulative amounts across the country according to the climatology of the area,” said Nkhokwe.

He added that during October to December most of the north and northern parts of central areas of Malawi are expected to receive normal to below normal amounts while most of the south and southern parts of central areas normal to above normal.

However during January to March 2020 most of the north and northern parts of central areas of Malawi are expected to receive above normal to normal rainfall amounts while southern areas and southern parts of central areas normal to below normal rainfall amounts.

“Overall the country is going to experience normal total rainfall amounts during October 2019 to March 2020. This implies that impacts associated with increased or reduced rainfall amounts leading to floods or prolonged dry spells to various socio-economic sectors such as agriculture, water resources, disaster management, energy are likely to occur in some parts of the country during the season,” Nkhokwe explained.

Users from agriculture sector are encouraged to seek advice from Ministry when applying their forecast in decision making such as when to plant.