The country is expected to experience near-normal (near average) to above-normal (enhanced) rainfall during the months of March, April, and May, Uganda National Meteorological Authority has forecasted.

The Executive Director of Uganda National Meteorological Authority, Dr. Bob Alexandria Ogwang, unveiled the National Seasonal Rainfall Forecast for March, April, and May at Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Friday March 1 2024.

Dr Ogwang revealed that Uganda experiences two major rainfall seasons; March-April-May (MAM), and September-October-November-December (SOND) as the first and second rainy season respectively, however, regions in the northern sector of the country experience the third rainfall season during the June-July-August (JJA) period.

“In particular, the areas expected to receive above normal (enhanced) rainfall include; highland areas of Southwestern, Rwenzori region and Mount Elgon, extending to Karamoja.

“The rainfall onset is expected to be established around early March in the southern parts of the country, especially in the Southwestern, Central, Western Lake Victoria basin, and Eastern.

“While for Northern and North-eastern areas of the country, the onset is expected around mid to late March. The onset is likely to be characterized by severe isolated thunderstorms associated with strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms.

“The predicted rains require action in sufficient time and in an appropriate manner so as to take advantage of the information. This forecast should be used for planning in all rain-fed economic activities to improve economic welfare and livelihoods for all our communities

“Uganda National Meteorological Authority will continue to monitor the evolution of relevant weather systems and issue appropriate rainfall alerts, updates, and advisories to the users regularly. This seasonal forecast should be used together with other forecasts such as daily, decadal, and monthly updates,” Dr. Ogwang told reporters.