TZ to experience slightly warmer nights

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has forecast that most parts of the country should expect nights and early mornings to be around average or slightly warmer than usual between June and August this year.

This means that while it won’t necessarily be hot, the lowest temperatures at night are expected to be slightly higher than normal.

So, the usual cold feeling during this time of year might not be as strong.

The period from June to August, known as the JJA season, is typically dry and cooler across much in the country.

During these months, it’s common for nights to be colder, winds to be strong, and overall dry conditions to prevail, especially in highland areas.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Dr Ladislaus Chang’a, Acting Director General of TMA, said that the forecast for the JJA season in 2025 shows many areas will have nights and early mornings that are normal to warmer than usual.

Dr Chang’a said that most parts of the country are expected to have night-time temperatures above what’s typically seen for this season.

However, he said that regions like Kigoma, Tabora, Katavi, Rukwa, Singida and the western part of Dodoma might feel relatively cooler.

He also mentioned that this cooler weather is expected to be more noticeable in July, which is usually the coldest month of the JJA season.

“Specifically, in some high-altitude areas of the southwestern highlands, including Njombe, Mbeya and Iringa, the lowest temperatures could drop below 6°C,” Dr Chang’a said.

In contrast, the northern coast—including Dar es Salaam and the islands of Unguja and Pemba—is expected to experience warmer minimum temperatures, ranging between 16°C and 24°C.

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The TMA’s outlook also points to moderate southeasterly winds being common across most of the country throughout the season.

Strong southerly winds are possible now and then along the coast and its inland areas, particularly during June and July.

Even though the JJA season is usually dry in most places, the TMA has predicted occasional off-season rains.

“These light rains are expected in the Lake Victoria Basin, specifically in Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, Simiyu and Mara regions as well as in coastal areas like Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Morogoro, Mtwara and Lindi. The islands of Unguja and Pemba might also get some light rainfall,” he said.

Dr Chang’a added that warmer than normal sea surface temperatures in the south-west Indian Ocean could weaken cold southerly winds.

This factor contributes to the forecast of warmer minimum temperatures in many parts of the country.

He also said that occasional westerly winds coming from the Congo forest might increase the chance of rain, especially in western Tanzania.

For the health sector, Dr Chang’a warned that there’s a risk of cold-related illnesses like pneumonia, particularly in highland and central regions.

He added that eye and breathing problems could also increase in areas with strong, dusty winds.

He advised farmers to make the most of the occasional rainfall in specific regions by planting fast-growing vegetables and root crops in wetlands and areas that receive rain.

Livestock keepers, he said, should save water and pasture because of the expected dry conditions and follow expert advice on managing pests and diseases.

Additionally, he urged people using the sea to pay attention to daily weather forecasts and warnings to stay safe and efficient, especially when it’s windy.

The outlook also suggests that the construction, mining and transport sectors are likely to benefit from the stable, dry weather expected across much of the country.

Dr Chang’a assured the public that the TMA will keep a close eye on weather patterns and provide regular updates through daily, ten-day and monthly forecasts.

He urged the public and all interested parties to follow official updates from the Authority to plan properly and reduce the effects of the seasonal weather.