BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) predicts strong El Nino conditions and normal rainfall for a significant portion of the 2023/2024 rainfall season.
DCCMS Director, Lucy Mtilamtila revealed on Monday, September 26, 2023, in Lilongwe during the National Climate Outlook Forum (NACOF) for the 2023/2024 National Seasonal Rainfall Forecast.
NACOF is a forum for end users of weather in Malawi including the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA), Electricity Generation Compan (EGENCO), and Ministries of Water and Agriculture.
“Global climate models are projecting moderate to strong El Nino conditions for a significant portion of the 2023/2024 rainfall season. El Nino is characterized by unusual warming of waters in the Eastern Central Equatorial Pacific Ocean and typically leads to drier conditions over Southern Africa, potentially including southern Malawi,” said the service.
The department has further highlighted that the 2023/2024 rainfall seasonal forecast as produced by climate experts in Malawi foretells that between October to December, it is expected that there will be 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.
“January to March 2024, Malawians should anticipate normal to below-normal total rainfall amounts over most areas with the possibility of above-normal rainfall in January,” says Mtilatila.
DCCMS has since asked all stakeholders to seek advice from the relevant ministries in order to better apply the forecast in their respective fields.
On his part, Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) officer Moses Chimphepo said the department has established preparedness guidelines for disaster risk management.
Mphepo said DODMA has established the loss made by climate change and assured proper preparedness ahead of rainy seasons.
About 676 people died with 538 missed leaving 659,278 homeless over Tropical Cyclone Freddy’s impact in the 2022/2023 rainy season.
