Maravi

ZMD forecasts more heavy rains in central Zambia

ZMD forecasts more heavy rains in central Zambia
By Florence Bupe
Thu 04 Feb. 2010, 04:00 CAT

THE Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has projected continued heavy rainfall activity over Lusaka, Copperbelt and Central provinces.

In an interview, ZMD acting director Jacob Nkomoki explained that the current rainfall patterns being experienced in some parts of the country would continue into early next week.

“We are expecting to continue receiving more rains over Lusaka, Copperbelt, Central, northern districts of Southern Province and eastern parts of North Western Province,” Nkomoki explained. “The reason is that we have a fairly strong ITCZ (inter tropical convergence zone) which is actually concentrated on the southern parts of Zambia.”

Nkomoki explained that the ITCZ, which originated from north and central Mozambique, was moving slowly toward Western Province where rainfall was expected to increase once the zone rests over the province.

He said the areas currently affected by heavy rains were expected to get relief once the zone shifted to the west.

“The ITCZ is moving at a very slow rate to the western parts of the country. We expect places like Lusaka to start experiencing reduced rainfall by Sunday,” he said.

Nkomoki said the department was currently assessing the possibility of floods in the affected areas, but could not give a clear picture of the situation immediately.

“We did indicate that we are expecting normal to above normal rainfall, meaning we are currently getting in excess of what we anticipated. In this case, we are assessing the possibility of floods but w- day period,” said Nkomoki.

Labels: RAINFALL, ZMD

posted by MrK @ 4:03 PM