Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) has advised the public to take precautionary measures as the country is going to experience harsh weather conditions for three months.
According to a monthly weather report issued by the TMA, chances of slightly warmer than normal minimum temperatures are expected over the coastal belt, northeastern highlands, Lake Victoria Basin and western parts.
The TMA, thus, advised citizens to use protection gears to mitigate any negative impacts that may be associated with the harsh weather conditions from June to August (JJA) season.
During the JJA season, mainly normal minimum temperature conditions are expected over most areas of the country.
On the other hand, there is a likelihood of cooler than normal minimum temperature over the central, southwestern highlands and Ruvuma region, with cold temperatures expected to reach the peak during July.
“Occasional colder than normal minimum temperatures are expected over the high ground of southwestern highlands during the nights and early morning,” reads the report.
The expected cold temperatures especially over the high ground areas of South Western highlands in Rukwa, Mbeya, Songwe, Iringa and Njombe regions, may affect livestock well-being, and slow down the growth and development of late grown crops, irrigated crops, and perennials such as bananas, and also perennial plants may face a problem of leaf burning and fungal diseases.
Most areas in the South Western highlands are expected to experience normal to cooler than normal minimum temperature ranging from six to 14 Celcius.
In the southwestern highlands, the minimum temperature of fewer than six Celcius is expected.
The TMA suggested that with slightly warmer air temperature over the Indian Ocean, productive fishing is expected during the season.
“Dry and windy conditions are likely to increase water loss through evapotranspiration, which will, in turn, affect water availability for crops, livestock other use,” read the report in part.
During the JJA season strong wind is expected to dominate over most parts of the country, added the TMA.
“Occasional south-easterly to easterly winds are likely to occur along the coastal belt and the hinterlands particularly during June,” the Agency said.
The scenario, noted the TMA, is likely to bring moisture from the Indian Ocean resulting in few light rain showers over the Islands of Unguja and Pemba; and few areas along the coastal strip (Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Lindi and Mtwara regions).
TMA cautioned that the expected dry, windy and cold conditions in some areas of the country may be unfavourable to human, animal and crop heal
