Dry spells worry Met Dept

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services says it has taken note of the dry spells occurring in some areas in the Southern and Central regions, describing them as worrisome for farmers as they have lasted over two weeks.

The department, however, says with the El Nino conditions forecast across the world, the situation is normal.

Head of public weather services and spokesperson Ellina Kululanga said El Nino seasons bring dryness in the southern block of Africa and wetness in the eastern part of Africa, including Tanzania and Kenya.

“The past two weeks have been dry especially in the South and some parts in Central Region. While dry spells are normal in the rainy season, prolonged dry spells that go beyond two weeks are worrisome,” said Kululanga.

She said with Malawi lying on the peripheral of the east and southern Africa, the Southern Region would continue to experience dry spells while the Northern Region and some parts of the Central Region would experience normal rainfall because of proximity to the eastern part of Africa.

“It is the Shire Valley which has been greatly impacted with the dry spell and there is fear of crop failure in the Southern Region. We indicated that earlier, but when we talk, it is like we are talking to ourselves,” said Kululanga.

“Some parts, especially in the Shire Highlands, are going to experience more cloudy conditions with showers. But substantial changes are expected from Friday, January 8 2016 for southern Malawi to cover the weekend then up to Tuesday the 12th January, 2016, while the central and northern regions will still be enjoying substantial rains in many areas.”

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development earlier advised farmers to construct rainwater harvesting structures.