ZMD urges sheltering of grain as Luapula records rains
By Florence Bupe
Tue 12 Oct. 2010, 14:20 CAT
THE Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has warned grain traders to secure their produce as rains in some parts of the country have been recorded.
In an interview, ZMD chief meteorological officer Chizgange Ngwira disclosed that some parts of Luapula Province had recorded about two millimeters of rain in the last two days.
“Over the next few days, we expect the extreme parts of North Western and Luapula Provinces to experience thunderstorms and rain. We are concerned that produce that has not been secured may go to waste,” Ngwira said.
“It is important that grain is stored in storage sheds or covered with tarpaulins before an increase in rainfall.”
And Ngwira has said most parts of the country would continue experiencing high temperatures, but explained that the prevailing weather was within the normal range.
Temperatures have been recorded between 35 and 42 degrees Celsius.
Ngwira explained that the prevailing high temperatures were a result of low wind levels, which help cool the atmosphere by acting as a ‘fan’.
“In the recent past, we’ve hardly had any wind and this has resulted in the hot weather conditions we’re currently experiencing,” he said.
Ngwira further disclosed that the meteorological department had approached the owners of the electronic display board at Lusaka’s Addis Ababa roundabout that was reflecting wrong temperature readings for Lusaka.
He said the department had received concerns from members of the public over the temperatures that had sometimes been showing as high as 57 degrees Celsius.
“What happens is that around midday, the figures go up but that’s a misrepresentation. We have already approached the owners of the display and they have assured us that they’ll get in touch with the manufacturer,” said Ngwira.
Labels: CHIZGANGE NGWIRA, METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT, RAINFALL, ZMD
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ZMD predicts good harvest
By Fridah Zinyama
Fri 26 Feb. 2010, 08:00 CAT
THE ZAMBIA Meteorological Department (ZMD) has stated that most of the maize crops have reached grain filling and full ripeness stages and the water requirements have been met. And the department stated that an unstable north westerly airflow would affect most parts of Zambia from February 20 to 28 this year.
According to the crop weather bulletin, this signifies a likelihood of a good harvest this season.
“However, in Southern Province, the late planted crops in poor sandy soils have not performed well especially those in Kazungula district but with the expected favourable weather conditions in the next dekad, most crops are expected to improve,” the bulletin stated.
The bulletin also revealed that crops along the streams in Sinazongwe had been washed away by excessive flash floods which prevailed during the dekad.
“And some floods have been reported in some parts of Zambezi district, Lusaka and Senanga have been experiencing some flash floods,” the bulletin stated. “However, no reports of damaged crops have been received.”
The bulletin further stated that the whole country was expected to be mainly cloudy with rains in places during this dekad and heavier falls were expected to occur over Western, North Western provinces and the southern districts of Eastern Province.
Labels: METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT, RAINFALL, ZMD
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Floods in Lusaka, Senanga not too severe – ZMD
By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone
Wed 17 Feb. 2010, 04:00 CAT
THE Zambia Meteorological Department (ZDM) has revealed that flash floods have been reported in areas around Lusaka and Senanga districts but the extent is not too severe.
According to the crop weather bulletin for February released by Southern Province acting meteorological officer Munalula Mate yesterday, some areas in Lusaka and Senanga had experienced flash floods but crops would not be affected.
The bulletin stated that generally maize crops in most parts of the country had reached tasselling and grain filling stages and were doing fine.
The ZMD stated that in some parts of Eastern Province, some crops had been affected by the dry spell, which was experienced earlier in the season.
However, the bulletin stated that some maize which was planted earlier was ripe and already on the market in some areas.
“The Lusaka plateau groundwater monitoring network comprises 36 observation boreholes dedicated for regular groundwater level measurements and 20 production boreholes dedicated for regular water quality assessment. During the dekad ending 10th February 2010, additional rainfall amount received at Lusaka I. Airport, Lusaka C. Airport and Mount Makulu from 30th January 2010 to 7th February 2010 has resulted in the rapid groundwater level rise and induced surface flooding in most areas of Lusaka city where the water table is ranging from 0.5m to 3m below ground surface,” the bulletin read in part.
“Some of the affected areas include Kamwala South, Misisi, John Laing and Kanyama. An increase in the flow from the main recharge area is also evident and the recovery of the water table is now estimated at 55 per cent when compared to the lowest groundwater levels recorded in the second week of November 2009. During the next dekad, the water table is expected to start dropping due to decrease in the rainfall activities.”
The ZMD stated that most stations had already attained the normal rainfall as at February 10, 2010.
“Above normal rainfall has been recorded in some parts of the country which include Chipata with a surplus of 80 per cent, Mount Makulu 54 per cent, Mongu 52 per cent, Zambezi 51 per cent, Lusaka city 25 per cent, Lusaka International Airport 23 per cent and Misamfu with a surplus of 21 per cent,” the bulletin stated.
“The normal rainfall range lies between 20 and -20 per cent. Below normal rainfall has been recorded in Sesheke and some parts of Southern Province where Magoye has a deficit of -33 per cent. During the dekad of 1- 10th February, a deep low pressure system was sited over the southern parts of the country therefore allowing moist north-westerly airflow to affect most parts of the country.
“This resulted into moderate to heavy rainfall over much of Zambia with lighter falls experienced over the extreme northern parts of the country. However, towards the end of the dekad, the ridging of the high pressure system over eastern South Africa reduced rains over most parts of the country.”
The bulletin stated that the highest recorded rainfall during the dekad was 235 millimetres (mm) in nine days from Mfuwe followed by 208 mm from Zambezi and Petauke in nine and six days respectively.
It stated that Lusaka City Airport had 198 mm in seven days.
“While Lusaka International Airport had 188 mm in six days Solwezi 185 mm, Mount Makalu 170 mm, Chipata 164 mm and Kabwe 158 mm in seven days. The lowest recorded was 9 mm in Sesheke in two days and no rainfall was recorded in Livingstone during the dekad. Most stations reported rain days of more than four days,” the statement read in part.
“The cumulative rainfall amounts since the start of season 1st July, 2009 indicates that most stations have recorded rainfall totals ranging between 500 mm and 900 mm. However, more than 900 mm of cumulative rainfall has been recorded in Zambezi, Mwinilunga, Solwezi, Mongu, Chipata, Kawambwa, Misamfu and Mount Makulu. Some parts of Southern and Western provinces have accumulated amounts less than 500mm. The highest cumulative total of 1,196 mm has been recorded in Chipata with a lowest of 377 mm being recorded in Sesheke.”
Labels: FLOODS, LUSAKA, ZMD
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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
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ZMD projects increase in rainfall countrywide
By Fridah Zinyama and Mutale Kapekele
Tue 26 Jan. 2010, 04:00 CAT
THE Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has projected an increase in rainfall activities across the country.
According to a weather bulletin released yesterday, the increase in rainfall is as a result of the weakening of the high pressure over eastern South Africa which has been ridging into Zambia and reducing chances of rainfall in many places, especially over the southern half of the country.
And in Southern Province, the department stated that an active Congo air boundary penetrated into the province from January 16, enhancing widespread rainfall which was characterised by heavy to light rainfall.
“Significant rainfall intensity reductions coupled with less rain days were reported and severe in some parts of the province. Temperature profile did not change much and were warm to hot in the range 28 to 32º Celsius,” the department stated.
The department revealed that heavy and stormy rainfall was reported at Maamba - 90mm, Gwembe - 80mm and Kalomo - 79mm.
Others included Livingstone and Munyumbwe with 58mm and 56mm each. The majority of the stations received light to moderate rainfall (less than 49mm).
“The dekadal rainfall performance is below normal in most places except Livingstone, Kalomo, Maamba, and Gwembe. The rainfall performance from 1st December 2009 indicates that almost 50 per cent of the province had normal rainfall,” the department stated.
“These areas include Livingstone, Kalomo, Namwala, Itezhitezhi and parts of Namwala, Choma, Gwembe and Monze. The highest surplus was at Kalomo with 11 per cent. Siameja reported the lowest deficit with -43 per cent deficit. The previous season had over 90 per cent of the province under normal rainfall performance.”
The highest cumulative rainfall figures above 400mm were observed at Masasabi 496mm, Gwembe 481mm and Kalomo 480mm. Namwala FTC, Zambia Adventist University, Buleya Malima and Livingstone were in this category.
Labels: RAINFALL, ZMD
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ZMD predicts increase in rainfall
By Florence Bupe
Thu 17 Dec. 2009, 04:01 CAT
THE Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has projected an increase in rainfall activities over the next 10 days which is likely to result in flash flooding in some areas.
According to the latest Crop Weather bulletin covering the current dekad, the department stated that
most parts of the country would have increased rainfall, moving from the
dry spell that had been experienced over the last dekad.
“The expected increase in rainfall activities in the next dekad is likely to cause some flash floods in areas where the water table is still high. These include Lusaka, Western and some parts of Southern Province,” the department stated.
The bulletin, however, indicated that the reduction in rains had not negatively affected farming activities as the weather provided a conducive environment for farm management.
“The reported dry spell in Central, Lusaka and parts of Eastern Province did not really affect the already germinated crops because most of the places had enough soil moisture to support plant growth,” the bulletin stated.
ZMD further advised farmers who have not yet planted their maize seed to plant the early maturing varieties, as time for the cultivation of late maturing seed had run out.
On rainfall volumes, the bulletin stated that since the beginning of the season, Mwinilunga, Solwezi and Kawambwa received above 400 millimetres, while Lundazi and Petauke recorded the lowest cumulative figures at 106 millimetres and 105 millimetres of rainfall, respectively.
Labels: FLOODS, RAINFALL, ZMD
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ZMD notes increased rainfall in Kawambwa
Written by Florence Bupe
Thursday, March 05, 2009 9:54:35 PM
THE Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has reported increased rainfall activity in Kawambwa district of Luapula Province, which has resulted in the submerging of crop fields.
According to the ZMD Weather Bulletin, the eastern part of Kawambwa district recorded continuous rainfall, while most other stations around the country registered below normal rainfall patterns.
Kalomo and Lundazi particularly recorded significantly below normal rainfall. During the dekad running to March 10, most parts of the country were expected to experience an increase in rainfall activities.
On the prevailing agrometeorological conditions, the department stated that maize crops had attained the advanced grain filling stage.
“The general picture countrywide indicates that maize crops have attained advanced grain filling stage. The dekad saw a reduction in rainfall activities and many days of sun intervals as evident by the reduction in number of rain days. In areas where water storage capacity is poor, wilting of maize crops have been experienced,” stated the ZMD.
Labels: LUAPULA PROVINCE, RAINFALL, ZMD
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ZMD predicts higher rainfall
Written by Florence Bupe
Sunday, December 28, 2008 12:33:37 PM
THE Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has projected increased rainfall activities in some parts of the country that may result in flash flooding.
ZMD deputy director Jacob Nkomoki said in an interview that Central, Copperbelt and Southern Provinces were expected to record above excessive rainfall volumes during the period running up to January 2, 2009. He explained that this was as a result of the moist north westerly winds currently influencing the country.
“The whole country is under the influence of winds from the north- west, which are very moist. The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) has shifted to oscillate over the northern parts of Zimbabwe. As a result, we are expecting heavy rainfall over the Copperbelt, Central and, especially, Southern provinces, where we are predicting rainfall records of more than 75 millimetres,” he said.
Nkomoki said there would be a temporal reduction of rainfall activities tomorrow, but said the pattern would shortly after return to record above normal rainfall.
However, Nkomoki said North Western, Western and Eastern provinces were expected to record below normal rainfall.
And the Southern Province Meteorological Department has warned of the swelling of the Zambezi and Kafue rivers as a result of heavy rains being experienced in the province.
This situation is expected to contribute to floods in the province.
Heavy rains have reportedly already caused damage to infrastructure and fields in some parts of the province.
Labels: RAINFALL, ZMD
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ZMD predicts continued high temperatures
Written by Florence Bupe
Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:32:31 PM
THE Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has disclosed that the country is expected to continue experiencing high temperatures over the next few weeks, with traces of rainfall in selected parts. ZMD senior forecast officer Anderson Mulambu revealed that currently, Mfuwe district had the highest temperatures averaging 41 degrees Celsius. Mulambu explained that the country may start experiencing steady rainfall by mid November, as per usual pattern.
“The current weather pattern is expected to continue, with traces of rains over the northern parts of the country, including the Copperbelt, Luapula, North Western and Western provinces,” said Mulambu.
Mongu has also been recording high temperatures of about 38 degrees Celsius.
Labels: ANDERSON MULAMBU, RAINFALL, ZMD
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Met dept rules out floods this season
By Florence Bupe
Saturday October 11, 2008 [04:00]
THE Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has ruled out floods during the next rainy season. ZMD senior forecast officer Anderson Mulambu said in an interview that the country was expected to register normal rainfall between October and December, and normal to above normal rainfall between January and April next year.
“Farmers have nothing to worry about because we expect to have very good rains, conducive for farming. We do not expect flooding, as was the case in the last rainy season,” he said.
Mulambu also explained that the country had been experiencing cooler temperatures from Monday to Thursday due to the southerly air mast over the Indian Ocean, which was affecting most parts of the country.
And rains have been recorded in some parts of the country in the last few days.
Mulambu said rains were experienced in Mpika, Solwezi and Mansa, adding that traces of rains were expected to continue over the extreme northern parts of the country.
Some parts of Central Province are also reported to have experienced heavy rains in the early hours of yesterday.
Labels: FLOODS, ZMD
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ZMD predicts reduced rainfall in South
By Joan Chirwa
Friday January 18, 2008 [03:00]
THE ZAMBIA Meteorological Department (ZMD) has predicted a slight reduction in the amount of rainfall in the southern half of the country during the coming week. And the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) has said the current rainfall pattern is posing a serious threat to the agricultural industry in the country.
Senior forecast officer at the meteorological department Anderson Mulambu, in an interview, said most parts of the country are likely to experience slightly reduced rainfall in the next few days through to next week compared to what has been received in the past weeks.
Our forecast for this week and next week is that the southern half of the country, which includes Southern Province, parts of Lusaka Province, part of Eastern Province and part of Western Province, will receive reduced rains," Mulambu said. "We may not have heavy rains this week and next week."
Mulambu said the rain forecast for January, February and March however show that the country would experience normal to above normal rainfall in most parts.
Zambia has this rainy season experienced above normal rains, leading to floods around Lusaka, Eastern and the Southern parts of the country, with a number of people being rendered homeless while crops and some bridges have been washed away in the process.
Apart from Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique are other countries that have been affected by flooding due to the heavy rains experienced this season.
And ZNFU executive director Songowayo Zyambo said although it is early to quantify the impact of the heavy rains, it is however clear that farmers would this year record a reduction in crop yields.
"The cotton crop is generally stunted exhibiting retarded growth. The overall situation will only improve if substantial break in rainfall and cloud cover is experienced throughout Zambia in the immediate future," Zyambo stated. "The union is observing the situation and will soon initiate agricultural industry consultations to develop private sector consensus which will be the basis for discussions with other stakeholders who include government."
Labels: RAINFALL, SOUTHERN PROVINCE, ZMD
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ZMD suspends operations
By Florence Bupe
Tuesday January 01, 2008 [03:00]
THE Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) yesterday temporarily suspended operations following two subsequent power failures. ZMD senior meteorologist Jacob Nkomoki confirmed in an interview that the department had lost vital weather forecasting data as a result of the power failures.
“We have been facing intermittent power failures since yesterday (Sunday) and this has affected our system. Our computer systems are down and we have already instructed our technicians to try and retrieve the lost data,” he said.
Nkomoki disclosed that the data that was lost was the one running from December 30.
However, he explained that there would not be much of a shift during the next few days from the rainfall conditions that characterised the last dekad.
“There hasn’t been much of a change from the last forecast. We expect similar conditions to prevail over the next few days,” he said.
The last dekad from December 11 to 20, 2007 saw the country record widespread rainfall, particularly increased amounts and distribution in Southern Province as a result of Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) activities.
And ZMD has advised farmers who have not yet completed their planting activities to plant early maturing maize seed as the planting season draws to a close.
Labels: RAINFALL, ZMD
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