DCCMS Commences Production of the 2024/25 Seasonal Forecast.

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) has today started working on the 2024/2025 Seasonal Rainfall and Temperature Forecast with support from Malawi Red Cross Society and Trócaire Malawi. Chief Meteorologist in the DCCMS, Mrs. Keenness Mang’anda, has stated that the department will work tirelessly to complete the production of the seasonal forecast product, and make it available to the public likely by the second week of September.

At the beginning of the previous season, the department predicted erratic rains accompanied by prolonged dry spells due to El Niño, which materialised. However, according to Mrs. Mang’anda, there is high chance of experiencing La Niña condition during the upcoming season, which may lead to normal to above-normal rains in some parts of the country, especially over the southern half of Malawi. Mang’anda was quick to mention that this information is too general to be acted upon such that more details will be explained in the detailed Seasonal Forecast, which will act as a guide for the nation. The Seasonal Forecast will encompass the likelihood of dry spells, the length of the season, and the probable onset and cessation of rains, among other seasonal characteristics.

Mr. Yobu Kachiwanda, Chief Meteorologist responsible for Public Weather Services, has stated that the Seasonal Forecast will be disseminated in September, immediately after it has been generated. This ensures timely communication of weather predictions to the public and relevant stakeholders.

Each year, before the rains commence, the DCCMS does an excellent job of generating rainfall forecasts with the aim of preparing the nation thereby saving people’s lives and property, hence contributing towards economic development. The Seasonal Forecast is utilised by different sectors for planning, including Agriculture, Energy, Disaster Management, and Health, among many others.