Climate experts have gathered at Mulunguzi Riverside Lodge in Zomba to formulate Malawi’s national rainfall seasonal forecast for the 2025/2026 season. This pivotal meeting unites climate experts in the Department of climate change and Meteorological services, in a collaborative effort to interpret climate data and produce rainfall forecast that will inform strategic decisions across multiple sectors. With agriculture, disaster preparedness, and water resource management all heavily dependent on accurate seasonal predictions, the outcomes of this session are expected to play a vital role in shaping national planning and resilience strategies.

With support from the World Food Programme (WFP), under early warning systems and early action, WFP aims to bolster climate resilience and ensure communities are better equipped to respond to weather-related challenges. The partnership highlights a growing recognition of the need for proactive climate adaptation measures, especially in regions vulnerable to shifting rainfall patterns and extreme weather events.

The Director of the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, Dr Lucy Mtilatila emphasized the critical importance of treating the seasonal forecast process with urgency and seriousness. She underscored the need to fast-track its production to enable timely downscaling and dissemination, which asre essential for effective planning across various sectors in the country. Early access to accurate forecasts, she noted, plays a pivotal role in guiding decisions in agriculture, disaster preparedness, and resource allocation. Additionally, she elaborated on the concept of impact-based forecasting, highlighting its value in translating seasonal forecast into actionable insights that can help communities better prepare for potential climate-related risks.

In closing, the Director expressed sincere gratitude to all donor partners for their continued support, specifically acknowledging organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and Trocaire. Their contributions, she said, shave been instrumental in strengthening the department’s capacity to deliver timely and relevant climate services.