MINISTER of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu says most places in Zambia are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall during the rainy season except for the north-eastern parts of the country which are likely to record normal to below-normal rainfall.

Delivering a ministerial statement on the 2021/2022 rainy season, Thursday, Nzovu said the rainy season was likely to be established by end of November over most parts of the country.

“Madam Speaker, you may wish to note that weather and climate information is also a critical input in water resource management as well as water supply and sanitation. It is also cardinal in water transport providing early warning of extreme winds and storms on water bodies that may be dangerous to lives and property. It is also a vital component to the safety and operations of air navigation and transportation. Madam Speaker, allow me now to share with the nation, through this August house, the 2021 /2022 rainy season forecast to enable sectors and the general public to prepare and make informed decisions for the forthcoming rainy season. The forecast, generally, indicates that most places in Zambia are likely to receive normal to above normal rainfall during the rainy season except for the north-eastern parts of the country which are likely to record normal to below normal rainfall,” Nzovu said.

“The season is likely to be established by the end of November, 2021 over most parts of the country. However, areas over Northern, Luapula, North-Western, Copperbelt and Western provinces are likely to experience thunderstorms and showers by October 2021. The season is likely to be characterized by drier conditions over the north-eastern portions of the country and wetter conditions over southern and western parts of the country. There is a high chance that north-eastern parts of the country will have a late start and early secession of the rains. There is also an indication of an early start of the 2021/2022 rainy season especially over the western half of the country.”

Nzovu said areas over Northern and Muchinga provinces including other districts were likely to receive normal to below normal rainfall with a likelihood of delayed onset of rains.

“Madam speaker, the forecast for the whole season has been segmented into four periods of three month-totals each as follows: For the period October, November and December: areas over North-Western, Western, Southern, Copperbelt, Lusaka and Luapula provinces, including parts of Central and Eastern provinces are likely to receive normal to above normal rainfall. On the other hand, areas over Northern and Muchinga provinces including Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi, Serenje, Mkushi, Chitambo, Mambwe, Lumezi, Chasefu and Lundazi districts, are likely to receive normal to below normal rainfall with a likelihood of delayed onset of rains,” he said.

Nzovu said areas projected to receive normal to below normal rainfall may experience dry spells.

He added that places that were likely to receive normal to above rainfall may experience floods.

“Madam speaker, during the 2021/2022 rainy season, areas that are projected to receive normal to below normal rainfall may experience the following: Dry spells (possibility of crop wilting), inadequate water for domestic consumption, agriculture, animals and energy production among others, increase chance of agriculture pests and diseases. Areas that are likely to receive normal to above normal rainfall in a particular period may experience the following: floods/flash floods especially in prone areas; fungal and water borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid; increase in rates of malaria transmission infrastructural damage especially to civil structures such as roads, dams, bridges and culverts; occurrence of agricultural pests across the country,” said Nzovu.

“Madam speaker, generally, the rains are expected to be established by the end of November 2021 in most parts of the country. However, some areas may receive rains earlier than expected. Therefore, farmers are advised to store their harvested crops properly to avoid damage. It is also important to note that in every season, dry spells occur and in certain circumstances may result in crop loss. In this regard, I wish to urge our farmers and other stakeholders to regularly get in touch with my ministry to access meteorological forecasts and updates.”