Rainfall Expected in Dowa District from Late November 2024

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, has forecasted the onset of rainfall in Dowa district to occur between the fourth week of November and the second week of December 2024.

The start of the rainy season is expected to be accompanied by thunderstorms and strong gusty winds.

The department predicts that most areas in Dowa will receive between 50 mm and 100 mm of rainfall in November 2024. The rainy season is expected to last for about 110 to 140 days, though there is a possibility of dry spells lasting more than seven days in January and February 2025.

The 2024-2025 rainfall season will be influenced by a weak La Niña, leading to normal to below-normal rainfall across much of the country, particularly in the central and northern lakeshore regions from October to December 2024.

During a meeting with District Disaster Officers, Area Extension Development Coordinators, and Civil Protection Committees in Dowa, Meteorologist Brenda Mdzagada-Soko noted that dry conditions are likely to persist through October 2024, with Chizimalupsa rains only expected in a few areas. She also stated that rainfall is likely to be more consistent across Dowa by the second week of December 2024.

In December 2024, Dowa is expected to receive around 200 mm of rainfall, with some northern areas, particularly around Senior Chief Kayembe, receiving more than 200 mm. The central parts of T/A Chiwere may receive over 300 mm in January 2025, when most areas are expected to see between 200 mm and 250 mm of rain.

However, dry spells lasting seven days or more could affect parts of Senior Chief Mponela, Dzoole, and Chakhaza. By February 2025, below-normal rainfall is expected, ranging from 100 mm to 150 mm. In March 2025, rainfall amounts are likely to range from 100 mm to 200 mm, with the rainy season concluding between the third week of March and the second week of April 2025, during which most areas will see less than 50 mm of rain.

“Temperatures from November to December 2024 are expected to stabilize at near-normal levels, while high temperatures are forecasted from January to March 2025,” said Mdzagada-Soko.

District Disaster Officer Twambilire Ngosi assured ministry officials that the district’s communities would receive timely information to help them plan their agricultural activities for the 2024-2025 season. Ngosi emphasized the importance of preparing for the season by reinforcing roofs and structures to withstand potential strong winds and thunderstorms.