By Wezzie Gausi
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) Monday released the 2023- 24 Seasonal Forecast with an expectation of normal or below rainfall season in the country.
In the forecast, DCCMS Director Lucy Mtilatila says the department foresees a normal to below normal rainfall season, unlike the previous years.
She said October to April marks the main rainfall season in Malawi, hence people should be on the lookout.
“From October to December, expect normal total rainfall amounts over most areas of the country. However, there is a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall in November, particularly in Southern and Northern Malawi.
“From January to March 2024, expect normal to below-normal total rainfall amounts over most areas with the possibility of above rainfall in January. The chance of prolonged dry spells in the month of February is high,” Mtilatila said.
On his part, Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) Director of Preparedness and Response Moses Chimphepo said the main focus of the nation should be on disaster preparedness.
He said, with the rainy season outcast known, people should focus on how best they will live during the rainy season.
“This is a basis for us to develop a multi-hazard contingency plan. We, as a department, already had a plan but, now, we will just finalise the plan and include some things on how best we will prepare.
“We, as Dodma, have always been prepared. So, this year we will look at all the disasters that may happen and plan accordingly,” Chimphepo said.
Meanwhile, DCCMS has said global climate models are projecting moderate to strong El Nino conditions for a significant part of the 2023-24 rainfall season.
