The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has said that the February Rainfall Outlook indicates that most parts of the country are likely to remain generally dry and sunny with hazy conditions.
During the month of January 2024, substantial rainfall was experienced in Kigezi, Lake Victoria Basin and Eastern parts of the country.
However, looking at February, UNMA warns that temperatures are expected to be warmer than average over most parts of the country.
“The highest maximum temperatures are likely to range from 30 degree Celcius to 32 degree Celcius and above in most parts of the Northern, Eastern and around Kyoga Basin, while the rest of the country is likely to experience temperatures in the range of 24 degree Celcius to 28 degree Celcius. The highland areas of Rwenzori, Elgon and Kigezi are likely to experience cooler temperatures in the range of 8 degree Celcius,” Dr. Bob Ogwang, the Executive Director of UNMA, said in a statement on Monday. The minimum temperatures for February are expected to range between 20 degrees Celcius and 26 degrees Celcius over the northern half of the country. The rest of the country is likely to experience minimum temperatures below 20 degrees Celcius. According to Dr. Ogwang, the western rift valley parts are expected to experience higher temperatures in the range of 28 degree Celcius to 28 degree Celcius.
However, he added that areas around the South-Western sub region are likely to experience wetter conditions, while isolated parts around the Central-Lake-Victoria-basin stretching to the Eastern Region are expected to experience occasional rainfall.
Due to the dry, sunny and hazy conditions, UNMA warns that there is a likelihood of increased incidences of respiratory and eye diseases as a result of dusty and windy conditions.
Reduction in animal pastures is also expected in areas predicted to experience dry conditions. However, there will be adequate soil moisture as a result of the expected moderate rains in the Kigezi region.
UNMA advised the public to among others avoid wasteful consumption of food and immediate sale of harvests in order to achieve food security. The authority also advised farmers to carry out land preparation in anticipation of the first seasonal rains.
