Rains to continue in most parts of the country – UNMA

Andrew S.K. Kaggwa, NECJOGHA

The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has said that wet conditions are to persist in several parts of the country in the next 10 days and warns of flooding and mudslides.

“The rainfall forecast for this period indicates that substantial rainfall activity is expected to continue in areas found in the southwestern (Kigezi and Ankole subregions), the Rwenzori subregion, the Bunyoro subregion, Central, Lake Victoria basin, Lake Kyoga basin, West Nile and Acholi subregion. In general, most areas in the entire country are expected to receive good rains apart from the Karamoja subregion and neighbouring districts which are expected to receive suppressed rainfall,” reads a UNMA dekadal (10-day forecast) for the period from November 11 to November 20, 2022.

However, because of the wet conditions, UNMA warns of challenges in the ongoing crop harvesting activities because of the continuing rains.

“Drying of harvested crops will be challenging during this period because of wet spells and those intending to do so should take precautions,” UNMA advises.

On the temperature forecast for the period, UNMA says that while for temperature extremes, they are not differing much from the previous dekad, the forecast indicates that the northern part of the country, particularly in West Nile, Acholi and Lango subregions will be much warmer or hotter than the rest of the country with maximum temperatures ranging from 28°C to 32°C.

Potential for flooding and mudslides

 • As the rainfall forecast is depicting a continuation of rainfall activity in several areas in the southwestern, Rwenzori subregion and central western. There is a potential for flooding and mudslides to occur in such areas given the fact that the soils could be already saturated.

• Water and pasture conditions are expected to improve in most areas in the cattle corridor.

Advisories

 • The communities in the entire cattle corridor, northern and eastern are advised to put in place water storage facilities for immediate harvesting of water (or rainwater) in order to avoid water uncertainties and crises in the near future.

• Drying of harvested crops will be challenging during this period because of wet spells and those intending to do so should take precautions. Drying of harvested crops is advised to be undertaken on clean hard surfaces or tarpaulins to avoid comprising on quality.

• Weeding, pruning of tree crops and mulching should be undertaken to conserve moisture in the soil

 • Monitor and report any emergence of crop pests, animal parasites and plant and animal diseases to technical staff at the subcounty and district.

• Construct drainage channels around the homesteads and gardens to provide easy passage of running water

 • Drinking water should be boiled for the safety of life

Explanatory notes

A dekad is a ten-day period, whereby: 1 dekad = 10 or 11 Days and (9 or 8 days for the last dekad of
February) One year is composed of 36 dekads.