By Gerald Tenywa
The predicted rainy season — from September until December — may have already started in many parts of Uganda, but less than usual rainfall is expected.
This is according to the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC).
“Drier than usual conditions are expected over parts of western and central Ethiopia, South Sudan, most parts of Uganda, and isolated areas in Kenya and Tanzania,” a statement from the centre said.
“Moderate rainfall (50–200 mm) is expected over parts of central Somalia to southern Ethiopia, south-western Uganda to Rwanda, northern Burundi, and western Kenya.”
The temperatures are also expected to be warmer than average, especially “across the Greater Horn of Africa”.
According to ICPAC, “mild temperature conditions (less than 20 °C) are expected over parts of northern, central, and southern Ethiopia, western Kenya, and other isolated regions in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania”.
Dr Bob Ogwang, the acting executive director of the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), said the onset of the rainy season is already established in different parts of Uganda.
“When we are releasing the weather forecast, we indicate the onset for different parts of the country,” he said, adding that some parts have enhanced rains, but this does not mean that they will not have dry spells interrupting the rain.
“We also encourage the population to look out for monthly updates as well as the 10-day weather statements,” urged Ogwang.
He said they share six- and 12-hour updates with the marines under the Uganda Police Force.
“We have systems that indicate that there is going to be suppression.”
He said they are working on the monthly weather update for October 2023 and that it will be out soon.
