Rwanda Meteorology Agency (Meteo Rwanda) has warned of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds in several parts of the country between October 21 and 31, urging the public to take precautionary measures and follow guidance from relevant authorities.

According to the agency’s forecast released on October 20, rainfall ranging between 80 and 150 millimetres is expected across the country during the last ten days of October, higher than the long-term average of 10 to 70 millimetres for the same period.

ALSO READ: Kayonza: Heavy rain kills six, destroys several properties

Meteo Rwanda attributes the expected increase to the active phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation, which is set to enhance moisture flow over the region, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone drifting towards the Equator.

During this period, most parts of the country are expected to experience five to seven rainy days, with moderate to strong winds reaching speeds of 4 to 12 metres per second. Daytime temperatures will range between 18°C and 30°C, while night temperatures will fall between 7°C and 17°C.

ALSO READ: Inside efforts to improve weather forecast accuracy

Rainfall between 140 and 150 millimetres is expected in Musanze District, western parts of Nyagatare, Gakenke, Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru, northern parts of Gicumbi and Burera, most of Western Province except Bugarama plain, and eastern parts of Ngororero and Karongi.

Amounts ranging between 120 and 140 millimetres are predicted in Bugarama plain, remaining parts of Ngororero and Karongi, northern parts of Kigali City, and the rest of the Northern and Southern Provinces, excluding Amayaga region.

Rainfall between 100 and 120 millimetres is expected in Amayaga region, remaining parts of Kigali City, Bugesera and Rwamagana Districts, northern and central parts of Nyagatare, and western parts of Gatsibo, Kayonza, Ngoma and Kirehe. The rest of the country is likely to receive 80 to 100 millimetres.

ALSO READ: Lightning injures eight fans watching APR vs Pyramids

Maximum temperatures will range between 18°C and 30°C, with the highest readings expected in Bugarama plain, Amayaga region, Kigali City, Bugesera, western Ngoma, and eastern parts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza and Kirehe.

The lowest temperatures, between 18°C and 20°C, are expected in northern and western parts of Musanze, western Nyabihu, Ngororero and Nyamagabe, and eastern Rubavu, Rutsiro, Nyamasheke and Rusizi.

Night-time minimum temperatures will fall between 7°C and 17°C. The coldest conditions, between 7°C and 9°C, are expected in northern Nyabihu and Musanze, while relatively warmer nights, between 15°C and 17°C, will occur in Bugarama plain, Amayaga region, central Kigali, Bugesera, Nyagatare, and parts of Ngoma, Gatsibo, Kayonza and Kirehe.

Wind forecast

Moderate to strong winds ranging between 4 and 12 metres per second are expected across the country.

Stronger winds, between 8 and 12 metres per second, are likely in southern Kirehe, small parts of western Nyanza and Rutsiro, northern Burera and Kamonyi, and parts of southern Gakenke and Rulindo.

Moderate winds of 6 to 8 metres per second are expected in most other regions, while areas such as central Nyamasheke, eastern Rusizi, southern and western Nyaruguru, and small portions of Nyamagabe, Musanze, Kayonza, Rulindo, Gicumbi and Gakenke may experience slightly calmer conditions of 4 to 6 metres per second.