Early October rains set to favour western Uganda, Karamoja stays dry
Western Uganda is expected to receive steady rains between October 1 and 10, while Karamoja is likely to remain largely dry, according to the Department of Meteorological Services in the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Western Uganda is expected to receive steady rains between October 1 and 10. (Credit: Magnific)
__________________
Uganda is expected to experience contrasting weather conditions in the first 10 days of October, with steady rains forecast across much of the country while Karamoja remains largely dry.
Western Uganda is expected to receive steady rains between October 1 and 10, while Karamoja is likely to remain largely dry, according to the Department of Meteorological Services in the Ministry of Water and Environment.
The contrasting weather conditions are expected to persist throughout the period.
Relatively wetter areas
The western sector, stretching from the southwestern Kigezi sub-region to the Bunyoro sub-region, the western areas of the central sub-region, West Nile and the upper belt of the Elgon sub-region, is expected to receive relatively wetter conditions.
Areas expected to receive occasional rains
Moderate rains are expected over the central cattle corridor districts, western, northern and northeastern areas of Lake Victoria, central areas of the Acholi and Lango sub-regions, Bunyoro, Mount Rwenzori, Ankole, Southern Central, Western Lake Victoria and the Mount Elgon Highlands.
The Karamoja sub-region has a higher likelihood of experiencing light, isolated rains to no rain at all, with mostly sunny and dry conditions expected.
Potential impacts
Enhanced and steady rainfall across the western sector presents opportunities as well as risks, including flooding, landslides, transport disruptions and infrastructure damage.
Meanwhile, persistently dry conditions in Karamoja pose separate risks of water stress and pasture depletion, according to the statement from the Meteorology Department.
Surface runoff may also contaminate unprotected water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks, including cholera, dysentery and typhoid. Stagnant water could further create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, potentially increasing malaria transmission.
Advisories
It also advised livestock keepers to provide dry shelters and avoid allowing animals to remain in flooded areas.
Farmers were further advised to dig drainage channels to divert excess water from gardens and avoid waterlogging.
The Meteorology Department also advised the public to monitor and report any emergence of crop pests, animal parasites and plant diseases to the authorities.
Communities living on vulnerable steep slopes were advised to remain highly alert and temporarily relocate to safer lowlands or stay with safer host families if cracks appear in the soil.
In cities and towns, urban authorities were advised to swiftly clear silt and garbage from drainage channels, open storm drains and cover open manholes to prevent drowning.
Communities were encouraged to boil or treat all drinking water.
At home and in public spaces, people were advised to intensify household hygiene, ensure pit latrines are well covered, and clear bushes and stagnant water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
The public and schoolchildren were advised not to seek shelter under isolated trees, tents, open-sided pavilions, football fields or roof structures that lack lightning arresters during thunderstorms.