Uganda braced for chilly weather in July, August

The current cold conditions will continue until mid-August, according to a weather forecast released last week by the Uganda National Metrological Authority (UNMA). The weather authority released a weather statement last week pointing out that the prevailing cold conditions are expected to continue into August.

The cold weather has been influenced by the prevailing winter in southern Africa, according to a weather statement authored by Paul Isabirye on behalf of Festus Luboyera, UNMA's executive director.

"The prevailing coldness is being caused by the flow of southerly cold winds blowing over from Southern Africa, and leading to the cold weather to prevail over most parts of the country," stated Isabirye.

The weather conditions have led to significant decrease in weather both maximum and minimum expecially south western Uganda and parts of the Lake Victoria basin. The temperatures in the districts of south western Uganda also formerly known as Kigezi region have declined to 10 degrees Celsius.

Other areas affected include the districts in the mountain Elgon region and Kabong in north eastern Uganda also referred to as Karamoja region.

James Bataze, a senior meteorologist at UNMA said the temperature is expected decline further to 8 degrees Celsius. The cold conditions are expected to end in mid-August.

Asked why the chilly conditions have not been as bad the previous year's yet this phenomenon prevails every year, Bataze said some winters are more severe than others and this could be the same with the prevailing conditions.

Negative impacts

Contrary to the feeling that cold conditions are good, the chilly conditions could also trigger health risks. "The cold weather could lead to potential upsurge in health risks," stated Isabirye.

He cited respiratory challenges such as asthma, pneumonia, common colds (flue) as some of the cases that are likely to increase during this season.

"The general public especially the vulnerable (young and old) members of the community are advised to keep warm and guard against such diseases," said Isabirye.

The hazards may extend to air transport particularly at aerodromes and road transport in case there is an emergence of foggy conditions. This, according to Isabirye causes poor visibility and could lead diversion of flights.

However, the prevailing conditions are likely to remain favourable for the maturing of crops planted in March-May rain season.

Rain season continues

The rain season is expected to continue in northern Uganda, northern eastern Uganda and Elgon region in July and end mid-August as predicated in the weather forecast at the beginning of July.

In central and part of western Uganda, the rain season is expected to interrupted by dry spells until August when it pave way for a short dry season.