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Sunday, February 9, 2025
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Southern Province to Experience Delayed Onset of Rain – Mposha

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Farmers, especially in the country’s North-Western and Western parts, have been advised to properly safeguard their harvested crops to prevent damage from showers and thunderstorms expected to be experienced in those areas by October.

Meanwhile, Luangwa, Chirundu, Gwembe, and Sinazongwe are forecast to experience a delayed onset of rain around mid-December.

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha, who announced the detailed 2024/25 rainfall forecast, said while the rains are expected to set in over much of the country by November, North-Western and Western provinces will likely experience thunderstorms and showers by October.

“As you may be aware, in some seasons, rains begin earlier than expected. Farmers are, therefore, advised to store their harvested crops properly to avoid damage. It is also important to note that in every season, dry spells occur and in certain circumstances, lead to crop loss,” he stated.

Mposha has also called on communities to proactively keep drainages and waterways clear of debris to reduce the risk of flooding and waterborne diseases from pooling water.

Normal rainfall is forecast for the greater part of the country, with episodic heavy rain and flooding in flood-prone parts. Northeastern Zambia is expected to experience normal to below-normal rainfall, while Luapula, Western, and North-Western provinces are expected to begin experiencing rain as early as next month. Luangwa, Chirundu, Gwembe, and Sinazongwe will experience a delayed onset of rain around mid-December.

For southern Zambia, rainfall is expected to stop in March 2025 and by the end of April 2025 over the Eastern, Luapula, and Northern provinces.

Mposha stated that areas that are projected to receive normal to below-normal rainfall may experience dry spells and an increased chance of agriculture pests and diseases, whereas those forecast to receive normal to above-normal rainfall may experience floods or flash floods, especially in prone areas, fungal and water-borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

There may also be an increase in rates of malaria transmission, infrastructural damage, especially to civil structures such as roads, bridges, and culverts, and the occurrence of agricultural pests across the country, he said.

“I strongly urge all citizens to regularly seek sector-specific advisories from the relevant ministries and institutions. Whether it’s agriculture, water development, sanitation, energy, or health, these advisories provide crucial information that can help you make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.”

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