The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has stepped forward to elucidate the situation, offering guidance to agricultural communities navigating these uncharted weather patterns.
Throughout July, southern Uganda has been drenched by rains contrary to seasonal expectations. Traditionally, in the southern sector, July—locally referred to as “Kasambula”—is typically associated with dry weather and preparation of land after the June harvest season.
Yusufu Nsubuga, a seasoned meteorologist at UNMA, attributes the persistent rains to shifts in southern hemispheric weather systems. Originally anticipated to impact only northern regions, these systems have unexpectedly veered southwards, affecting areas such as the southwest, central regions, and the Lake Victoria basin.
Nsubuga acknowledges the challenges posed by these fluctuations but assures farmers of a potential return to drier conditions as the rain belt shifts, potentially signaling the onset of a dry season by August.
“The rain we have been having relaxed in the southern hemispheric system affecting the rain belt, which should be far in the north. But now it is pushed to the southern part of the country,” Nsubuga explained.
The Meteorologist added; “Currently, during this time, we would be having rain in the northern part of the country and dryness in the southern region, but for now, we are experiencing changes in the systems coming into play. They tend to make rain belts move southwards. So when they move southwards, we end up getting rain around the lake here or the central area.”
In response to the current weather conditions, UNMA advises farmers to utilize the ongoing rainfall to harvest water, which can later be particularly beneficial for fast-growing crops like vegetables. However, for those planning to sow seasonal crops such as maize, caution is recommended. UNMA forecasts more favorable planting conditions towards the end of September, encouraging farmers to exercise patience to mitigate risks associated with uncertain weather patterns.
While southern Uganda contends with unexpected rains, northern regions are experiencing their typical heavy rainfall patterns. According to the latest rainfall forecast for the last 10 days of July from UNMA, wetter conditions are expected predominantly in the northern sector of the country.
Districts in West Nile (Yumbe, Moyo, Koboko, Arua, Madi Okollo), Acholi (Kitgum, Pader, Agago), and Karamoja (Karenga, Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto, Napak, Nabilatuk) are all forecast to receive significant rainfall.
“The potential hazards expected to occur are flash floods, waterlogging, contamination of water sources due to increased surface runoff into such sources, and disruption of traffic flows along transportation routes as some bridges may be washed away or collapse,” the UNMA official forecast report for 21 – 31 July reads in part.
The ongoing and forecasted downpours are expected to significantly improve pastures and water sources in the northern region. This welcome news is accompanied by UNMA’s advisory for farmers in the northern sector to proceed with planting activities.
However, the South faces a different challenge – Fog. Motorists are warned about potentially hazardous foggy conditions on the roads. To this effect, they are urged to exercise caution when driving under foggy and hazy conditions to ensure safety on the roads.
Within the last ten days of July, the average temperatures throughout Uganda are projected to vary from 20°C to 24°C. In regions near the western Rift Valley, temperatures may rise to between 24°C and 28°C, while cooler conditions ranging from 8°C to 12°C are expected in high-altitude areasKigezi, Rwenzori, and Elgon sub-regions.