TMA forecasts heavy rains in 20 regions today

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has warned that heavy rains are expected today (December 28) across 20 regions of the country.

In a weather forecast statement released yesterday, TMA listed the regions likely to be affected as Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Kigoma, Katavi, Singida, Dodoma, Rukwa, Songwe and Morogoro. Other regions under alert are Ruvuma, Tanga, Dar es Salaam, the Coast Region including Mafia Island, Lindi, Mtwara, as well as the islands of Unguja and Pemba. TMA said the heavy rainfall may result in various impacts.

The Authority noted that the likelihood of these impacts is high, with a moderate level of severity anticipated. Potential effects include flooding, landslides and disruption of economic and social activities. The authority called on residents in the affected areas, particularly those living in high-risk locations, to take early precautionary measures to minimise potential damage.

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TMA also urged the public to stay updated with regular weather forecasts to obtain accurate information and take necessary safety steps. TMA has further warned that some areas will continue to experience heavy rains tomorrow, (December 29).

Regions expected to be affected include Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Mara, Simiyu, Dodoma, Singida, Rukwa, Songwe, Mbeya, Iringa, Njombe, Morogoro, Ruvuma, Lindi and Mtwara.

The Authority cautioned that flooding could surround residential areas in these regions and reiterated the importance of early precautionary measures. In its seasonal outlook released in September for the October-December 2025 Vuli rains, TMA projected that many areas will experience normal to below-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells, poor rainfall distribution and unusually warm temperatures.

TMA Director General, Dr Ladislaus Chang’a (pictured), said that rains were expected to begin in the first and second weeks of October in Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, Mara and northern Kigoma. Rains would later reach Simiyu and Shinyanga in the fourth week of October, before extending to the north-eastern highlands and northern coast in early November.

The season is expected to end in January 2026, with enhanced rainfall anticipated in December 2025. TMA’s warnings serve as a crucial reminder for residents to remain vigilant and prepared as the country braces for the peak of the Vuli rainy season.