Some parts of Southern and Eastern Provinces have experienced rainfall deficit in the previous period and less rainfall is still expected in these parts in the next 10 days, Rwanda Meteorology Agency has warned. The forecast says that cumulative rainfall ranging between 0 and 20 mm is the lowest amount expected in eastern parts of Southern Province, many parts of Bugesera, Ngoma, Kirehe, and parts of eastern Kayonza, Nyagatare and Gatsibo Districts up to October 31, 2022. “Some parts of Southern and Eastern Provinces have experienced deficit and less rainfall is still expected in these parts and water stress is possible,” reads part of the forecast. Farmers and communities in these parts of the country are advised to apply agricultural practices of rain water harvesting for further use and other techniques that allow water to be retained in the soil as well as irrigation where it is possible, the weather forecast agency urged. Scattered rainfall will continue to prevail in many parts of Kigali City, Eastern and Southern Provinces. The average maximum temperature is expected to range between 20 degree Celsius and 30 degree Celsius Many Parts of Kigali City, eastern and southern parts of Eastern Province, eastern parts of Southern Province and southern parts of Rusizi District are expected to experience higher maximum temperatures ranging between 28°C and 30°C. Northern parts of Nyabihu, Rubavu, Musanze and Burera Districts are expected to experience lower maximum temperatures ranging between 20 degree Celsius and 22 degree Celsius. According to the forecast, impacts related to strong winds such as blowing off of roof tops, falling of leaves and small branches, damage caused by lightning and hailstorm are also likely to occur in areas that will have rains. “Mitigation and prevention measures should be put in place,” it says. Moderate to strong wind speed ranging between 4 and 10 metres per second is expected across the country. Strong wind speed ranging between 8 and 10 m/s is expected in localised parts of Rubavu, Nyabihu, Rutsiro and Karongi Districts. Moderate to slightly strong wind speed ranging between 4 and 8 m/s is expected over the remaining parts of the country. Cumulative rainfall ranging between 60 and 80 mm is the highest expected during the dekad over parts of Nyamasheke, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Musanze and Burera Districts. Yields are likely to be low in farming season A, in some parts of the country if rains continue to be minimal, farmers told The New Times a week ago. Agriculture Season A started in September. “Farmers prepared fields and were ready to plant. Some have already planted maize, beans and soybean seeds but some seeds have not germinated yet due to a lack of rains,” said Evariste Tugirinshuti, the president of the maize farmers’ Cooperatives Federation in Eastern and Southern provinces.
