Met forecasts abundant rainfall
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has forecasted abundant rainfall in the country during the 2024/25 hydrological season due to La Niña conditions.
Briefing journalists in Lilongwe on Friday during the release of the seasonal forecast, the department’s director general Dr. Lucy Mtilatila expressed optimism.
She noted that Malawi could experience above-normal rainfall, especially between December and April.
Said Mtilatila: “The 2024/25 rainfall season looks promising and we are expecting above-normal rainfall, particularly from December to April, when many parts of the country are likely to receive more rainfall compared to last year.”
to receive more rainfall
She said the good rains may result in bumper yields.
During the same briefing, the Ministry of Water and Sanitation launched the National Framework for Water and Climate Change Services for Malawi.
Secretary for Natural Resources and Climate Change Yusuf Mkungula said the framework was crucial for effective planning and implementation of climate change and water-related interventions.
Despite expectations of reduced rainfall in November, which could delay the start of the season, forecasts indicate that once the rains begin, the likelihood of a successful rainy season is high.
La Niña is a condition that typically brings increased rainfall to regions like southern Africa, the opposite of El Niño, which causes drier conditions.
This forecast comes in stark contrast to the 2023/24 season, which was affected by El Niño that is characterised by dry spells and poor yields.
