By Gerald Tenywa
Ugandans, especially those in the southern parts of the country, should be on the lookout for heavy rains and prepare and plan accordingly.
“Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of south-eastern Ethiopia, extending into parts of central Somalia and the northern and southern parts of Uganda,” ICPAC has stated in its most recent weather forecast for October 17-24, 2023.
“This may lead to flooding in low-lying areas.”
ICPAC is the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, which networks with national meteorological bodies, including the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA).
The Nairobi-based ICPAC also pointed out that Uganda and her neighbours are likely to experience wetter-than-usual conditions in the coming week.
“Wetter than usual conditions are expected over southern Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, parts of Rwanda and Burundi, western Tanzania, part of western and northern eastern Kenya, and central Somalia,” stated ICPAC.
The ICPAC forecast is consistent with UNMA
The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), which works closely with ICPAC, has also indicated most parts of Uganda except Karamoja are likely to receive normal (average) to below-normal rainfall.
The UNMA forecast warned that low-lying areas in Kampala and neighbouring areas are likely to experience flooding.
At the same time, mountainous areas such as Mt. Elgon are likely to experience landslides, according to the UNMA weather forecast.
The rainy season has also come with a lot of benefits, including increased production and productivity in the agriculture sector.
