HEAVY RAINS WARNING 07-09TH JANUARY 2026

Alert Severity:

Extreme

Severe

Moderate

Minor

Rain/Wet Spell

HEAVY RAINS WARNING-LEVEL 6

Ongoing: Rain/Wet Spell

Orange severity

Language:

Category:

Met

Urgency:

Immediate

Severity:

Severe

Certainty:

Likely

Time period

Issued Tue 06 Jan 2026 11:00
Effective: Wed 07 Jan 2026 00:00
Onset: Wed 07 Jan 2026 00:00
Expires: Fri 09 Jan 2026 23:00

Area

CATEGORY 6

Event Description

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services is issuing a warning of heavy rainfall expected to affect lakeshore areas and several parts across northern and central Malawi. The adverse weather, characterized by intense downpours accompanied by strong winds and frequent lightning is particularly impacting Nkhotakota, Salima and parts of Mzimba, Kasungu, Nkhata Bay, Dowa, Mchinji ndi Ntchisi both under category 10 alerts. Mzimba, Mzuzu, Likoma, Machinga, Mangochi and parts of Zomba ndi Balaka which are under category 6 while the remaining districts are under category 2 warnings. These risky conditions are due to the low-pressure system which is in the Mozambique channel and currently enhancing Congo air mass but is expected to pass through Malawi on Wednesday.

Instructions

The public is advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures such as • Avoid low-lying zones prone to flooding • Avoid crossing flooded or fast flowing waters. • Avoid seeking shelter under trees and weak infrastructure • Avoid moving in the open when there is thunderstorm in the vicinity