Six regions brace for harsh weather conditions in Tanzania

Residents of six regions must brace for harsh weather conditions in the coming three months, according to reports based on the weatherman’s forecasts issued on Tuesday, June 1.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) said Rukwa, Mbeya, Songwe, Iringa, Njombe and Southern Morogoro will experience cold temperatures ranging between six and 14 Degrees Celsius from June through to August this year.

TMA director general Agnes Kijazi said on Tuesday that the regions were expected to experience normal to cooler than normal minimum temperatures. “Cold temperatures are expected to reach their peak in July. Frequently colder than normal minimum temperatures are expected over the high ground of southwestern highlands during the nights and early morning,” she said.

However, temperature and strong wind would be expected in several parts of the country.

This scenario is likely to bring moisture from the Indian Ocean resulting into few light rain showers over the Islands of Unguja and Pemba and few areas along the coastal strip (Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Coast, Lindi and Mtwara regions)

Dr Kijazi said the weather may affect livestock wellbeing, slow down growth and development of late grown crops, irrigated crops, and perennials such as bananas, and also perennial plants may face problems of leaf burning and fungal diseases. “Communities are advised to take precautions as appropriate such as sparing use of water and protection against pneumonia to mitigate any negative impacts that may be associated with the expected climate conditions,” she said.

She said with slightly warmer air temperature over the Indian Ocean, productive fishing is expected during the season. Dry and windy conditions are likely to increase water loss through evapotranspiration, which will in turn affect water availability for crops and livestock.

Mainly normal minimum temperature conditions are expected over most areas. Chances of slightly warmer than normal minimum temperatures are expected over the coastal belt, north eastern highlands, Lake Victoria Basin and western parts.

On the other hand, there is a likelihood of cooler than normal minimum temperature over the central, southwestern highlands and Ruvuma region.

Ms Kijazi explained that occasional south-easterly to easterly winds are likely to occur along the coastal belt and the hinterlands particularly during the month of June.

TMA will continue to monitor the weather systems and issue updates. The community is strongly advised to make a follow up on weather forecasts from the authority that are issued on a daily and monthly basis.