Malawi: Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms Forecasted Over Malawi


In its weekly weather statement, the Department of Climate Change & Meteorological Services indicates that from today (Monday March 27 to Sunday April 2), the public should expect windy, cool to warm and mostly cloudy conditions with locally heavy rains and thunderstorms — mainly over lakeshore areas, north and part of central areas.

“Patches of fog and localized rains are expected over southern Malawi,” said the update issued on Sunday evening.

“This is due to the influence of a series of high-pressure systems over the south east coast of South Africa which are expected to anchor a rainy belt over the north.

“The expected locally heavy rains may trigger flash flooding mainly over Karonga, Nkhotakota and Salima. Mwera winds of over 40km/hr are expected over Lake Malawi and other water bodies.”

The Department reports that during the past week, “most areas over the South experienced partly sunny conditions and isolated rainfall while a rainy weather was generally over the Central and Northern areas”.

“The highest rainfall amount reported from the North was 92.3mm from Mwaulambo in Karonga on March 25; from the Centre was 67mm from Mpamantha in Nkhotakota on March 25 and from the South the highest was 130.3mm reported from Zomba RTC on March 22.”

Just as was the case with heavy rains due to Cyclone Freddy, the Department reminds the public to:

* Avoid crossing flooded or fast flowing rivers;

* Strong mwera are a threat to lake users;

* Stay in a safe and closed shelter whenever a thunderstorm is within vicinity until it dissipates to avoid being the target of a lightning;

* Town and City authorities should make sure that all water drainages are functional; and

* Make sure that all buildings and other structure are strong enough to withstand gusty winds.

“The public is further reminded of following weather updates to be kept safe from any weather-related threats during the forecasted period.”

For further information, the public is advised to contact:

The Director; Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services; P.O. Box 1808; Blantyre

Tel:( 265) 882 266 579

Email: [email protected]mw

Web: www.metmalawi.gov.mw