TMA cautions as ‘Msimu’ rains begin
DAR ES SALAAM: THE rainy season from November to April has begun across various parts of the country, with the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) forecasting beneficial rainfall for agricultural production, while also urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain cautious.
In an announcement in Dar es Salaam yesterday, TMA’s Acting Director General, Ladislaus Chang’a, stated that regular agricultural activities are expected to continue in most regions during this time.
However, he cautioned that excessive soil moisture and flooding could negatively impact crops and farm management, particularly in areas projected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall. The rainy season is anticipated to raise water levels in rivers and dams, which may lead to flooding, especially in highrisk flood zones.
“Communities in these areas should take appropriate precautions,” Dr Chang’a advised.
Forecasts indicate normal to below-normal rainfall for the regions of Kigoma, Tabora, Katavi, Rukwa, Songwe, Singida, Dodoma, as well as the northern and eastern parts of Lindi and the northern regions of Mbeya and Iringa.
In contrast, normal to above-normal rains are expected in Njombe, Ruvuma, Mtwara, southern and western Lindi and the southern areas of Mbeya, Iringa and Morogoro.
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The second half of the season (February-April 2025) is predicted to be wetter than the first half (November 2024-January 2025). This season, referred to as NDJFMA (November through April), coincides with cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Central Equatorial Pacific, indicating a weak La Niña event.
Meanwhile, slightly warmer SSTs are expected in the eastern Indian Ocean, while normal SSTs are anticipated in the western Indian Ocean during the season’s first half.
These conditions may reduce moisture flow from the Indian Ocean to Tanzania. Additionally, slightly warmer-thannormal SSTs are projected in the eastern Atlantic Ocean off Angola, alongside low-pressure systems forming over the Mozambique Channel and eastern Madagascar.
These systems are likely to draw moist westerly winds from the Congo Forest into Tanzania, creating favourable rainfall conditions, particularly in the southwestern highlands and southern regions.
Farmers are encouraged to prepare their fields, plant, weed and apply suitable inputs according to soil moisture conditions. They should also consult Agricultural Extension Officers for guidance on the seasonal forecast and choose appropriate seeds and crops.
Short, intense rainfall periods may damage road and rail infrastructure, disrupt transport and construction activities, increase accident risks and raise operational costs for maintenance and repairs. The TMA warns that heavy rains could lead to floods and landslides, potentially harming infrastructure, the environment, property and human life.
The Disaster Management Department is advised to coordinate contingency plans to mitigate the potential adverse effects during the rainy season.
