Heavy rain coming - weatherman

The weather agency mandated to provide climate and weather predictions has warned of the likelihood of heavy rain above the normal in the coming months until end of year.

The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has forecast that with the four; east, west, North and south regions already experiencing isolated outbreaks of showers and thunderstorms, it signifies the onset of seasonal rains.

“Overall, there is an increased likelihood of near normal to above normal over most parts of Uganda,” the September to December (SOND) 2019 seasonal rainfall outlook for Uganda issued last week indicates.

Monitoring
The document also indicates the agency will continue to monitor the evolution of relevant weather systems particularly the state of the Seas Surface Temperature and Indian Ocean Dipole, and issue appropriate updates and advisories regularly
According to UNMA, September to December constitutes the second major rainfall season over most parts of Uganda after the March to May season.

Subsequently, the agency has warned of the negative impact of the weather, including increased pests and diseases, destruction of crops, high post-harvest losses, water logging, and soil erosion.

The agency has also warned of the health impact, including malaria upsurges countrywide, more outbreaks of typhoid and cholera particularly at fishing sites and in Bududa, Bulambuli, Kisoro, refugee camps, as well as Bilharzia around Lake Albert and Lake Victoria.

“District authorities are advised to update their contingency plans for better coordination in case of any weather and climate disaster that might occur during this season. Community education and awareness should be conducted,” the outlook reads further.
The Ministry of Health has also appealed to the public to take caution and those who will develop infections to seek medical attention, and for cold weather, people need to wear warm clothes

“The public also needs to sleep under mosquito nets because malaria cases will rise and boil water for drinking and also ensure the feacal matter around their homesteads is properly decomposed to avoid contamination of water sources,” Mr Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Ministry of Health spokesperson, said.

Efforts
The weather agency recently started issuing 24 hour marine forecasts on Lake Victoria to save lives and property targeting fishing boats, small crafts, and communities in and around the lake.
They are issued twice a day to provide early warning to save life and property.

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