Farmers should not plant yet, warns meteorologist
By Tilyenji Mwanza
Tue 08 Oct. 2013, 14:00 CAT

A METEOROLOGIST says the rains that were experienced yesterday in some parts of the country were as a result of tropical winds from the east that had caused a disturbance in the lower clouds.

According to a meteorologist talked to, who did not want to be named, the rains were not an indication of the beginning of the rainy season and cautioned farmers against planting.

"No, the rainy season has not begun. These rains are just a small disturbance because of the easterly winds. For farmers, please do not start farming; the rains experienced are less than a millimeter and farmers are encouraged to plant when we have experienced more than or at least 20mm," he said.

The meteorologist further explained that the Meteorological Department had problems in predicting weather because it used global models to make its comparisons.

"Our biggest challenge here is we don't have local models; we rely on global models to give our forecast but we are trying," he said.
He observed that the rainfall this year would be more favourable than last year's.

"We are expecting a better and more favourable rainy season as compared to last year. Unless otherwise, we do not expect any droughts or rainfall complaints from farmers," he said.