By Gerald Tenywa
The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has predicted average to enhanced rains for the remaining weeks of May.
“The rainfall outlook for May 2023 indicates that most parts of the country are expected to receive near normal (near average) with a slight tendency to above normal (enhanced) rainfall during the forecast period. However, some parts around Lake Victoria basin have a high likelihood of experiencing near normal (near average) to below normal (supressed) rainfall,” stated Alex Ogwang, the acting executive director, UNMA.
In the weather forecast for May, Ogwang noted, “Analysis of rainfall during the month of April 2023 generally depicted wetter conditions in most parts of the country. However, most of the rainfall was (near average) to below normal (supressed) rainfall.”
He also pointed out that the month of May is often characterised with cessation of seasonal rainfall towards the end of the month in most parts of the country. “Rainfall is expected to progressively shift northwards during the forecast period,” he stated in the weather forecast for May seen by New Vision.
Overall, there is high likelihood of the month of May experience near normal (average) with a slight tendency to above normal rainfall over most parts of the country. However, isolated areas over northern, eastern, and western regions are expected to receive slightly above normal rainfall, whereas southern parts of West Nile extending to Buliisa, northern Lake Kyoga basin and Western parts of Lake Victoria basin are expected to receive near normal (average) with a tendency to below normal rainfall, according to the forecast.
Potential impacts during May
The predicted rains over most parts of Uganda are expected to continue weeding their crops and apply pesticides where necessary with the guidance of agricultural officers.
There are high chances of strong winds that might put down some crops and rooftops, according to the forecast.
In the pastoral areas, the current rains are expected to further improve foliage and pasture for livestock. Pasture preservation and management should be encouraged, according to the forecast.
In water sector, communities are encouraged to harvest water to improve water availability, especially during the dry period of June-August 2023.
“Local authorities, especially in urban areas should further work on drainage systems in order to avoid the expected high chances of flash floods,” stated Ogwang in the forecast.
In the Health sector, there is still high risk of malaria and water borne diseases due to occasional flash floods that may include but not limited to cholera and bilharzia. Health officials are advised to be on the lookout and equip health units with necessary drugs to deal with any health issues that may arise from the predicted rainfall during the month of May 2023, according to the forecast.
Health education and awareness campaigns on the use of mosquito nets slashing of bushes around homesteads, and disposing open containers, filling up open pits, and draining stagnant water around homesteads should be intensified in order to reduce breeding grounds of mosquitoes; frequent health inspections in all communities are encouraged.
The forecast also recommends improvement of domestic hygiene and sanitation around homes and schools to reduce the contamination of eater and use of latrines in highly encouraged, according to the forecast.
