The seasonal climate forecast for the third dekad of January 2023 will see below normal levels of rainfall over most parts of Eastern Province and northern parts of Kirehe, Rwanda Meteorological Service (RMS) has warned.
The low rainfall ranging between 0 and 15mm will be the lowest amount of rainfall expected starting from 21st to 31st January 202 in the districts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza Districts, northern of parts Kirehe and Ngoma Districts, southern parts of Gicumbi District and eastern parts of Rwamagana, Nyanza and Ruhango Districts.
According to the forecasts, RMS says that a higher amount of rainfall ranging between 45 and 60mm is expected in southern parts of Rusizi District and south western parts of Nyaruguru District.
Experts have also warned that, health risks may arise due to the lowered water levels in eastern province because less water which may take long thus water related diseases such as malaria are likely to emerge due to rise in breeding of mosquitoes.
Meanwhile, parts of Western Province except eastern parts of Karongi, Ngororero and Nyabihu Districts, western parts of Nyamagabe and Musanze and central parts of Nyaruguru Districts will receive rainfall ranging between 30 and 45 mm.
Rainy days are expected to vary between one day (1) in Eastern Province and Amayaga region and four days (4) in south western part of the country. Rain dates will be between 23rd and 26th in many parts of the country.
The predicted rainfall will result from position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) drifting to the Southern Hemisphere and supported by local features.
Parts of Kigali City, Bugesera and Ngoma Districts, Amayaga region and Bugarama plain are expected to experience higher average maximum temperature ranging between 28°C and 30°C.
In the meantime, parts of Rubavu, Nyabihu, Musanze, Burera, Nyamagabe, Nyamasheke and Karongi district should expect to receive lower temperatures ranging between 18oC and 20oC according to the forecasts.
Moderate to slightly strong wind speed ranging between 4 and 6 m/s (green colour) is expected over many parts of Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Karongi, Rutsiro, Gisagara and a few parts of Huye, Nyanza and Kayonza Districts.
