From June 21 to 30, Rwanda is forecast to have rainfall ranging between five millimetres and 60 millimetres, according to Rwanda Meteorology Agency. The weather forecaster acknowledges that such rainfall is more than what is usually experienced during this time of year, which is between 0 and 30 millimetres. ALSO READ: Inside efforts to improve weather forecast accuracy This increase in rain, it explained, is mostly due to a weather pattern called the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), which is bringing more moisture to the region. The Madden-Julian Oscillation is a natural weather pattern that moves around the tropics and affects rainfall and storms. The MJO is like a wave of clouds and rain that travels around the Earth along the equator, mainly over warm ocean areas. It moves from west to east, taking about 30 to 60 days to go all the way around the globe. ALSO READ: Rwanda faces decline in rainy days When the MJO is active over a region, it brings more clouds, moisture, and rain. When it is not active, the region is usually drier and sunnier. In Rwanda and other tropical countries, the MJO can cause temporary increases in rainfall, like what is expected during the last part of this month. The highest rainfall, between 50 and 60 millimetres, is expected in western and northern parts of Musanze District, western parts of Burera and Nyabihu Districts, and northern parts of Rubavu District. ALSO READ: Weather warning: Heavy rain anticipated in Kigali, two provinces Rainfall between 35–50 millimetres is expected in other areas of the Western Province, most of Musanze and Burera, many parts of Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Gakenke, and Muhanga, as well as north-western parts of Gicumbi and Rulindo. Rainfall between 20 and 35 millimetres is expected in the rest of the Northern and Southern Provinces (except the Amayaga region), Gasabo District, northern parts of Nyarugenge District in Kigali, and western parts of Nyagatare and Gatsibo. The rest of the country will likely get between five and 20 millimetres of rain. Daytime temperatures will range from 16°C to 28°C, and night-time temperatures will be between 6°C and 16°C. Moderate to strong winds are expected across the country, with speeds between four and 10 metres per second. ALSO READ: Weather agency warns of strong winds in four districts Strong winds, with speeds ranging from eight to 10 metres per second, are expected in northern parts of Burera, Musanze, and Karongi Districts, eastern parts of Rubavu District, northern Kirehe, western areas of Nyabihu, Nyamasheke, and Rusizi Districts, as well as the south-western and central parts of Rutsiro District. Moderate to strong winds, with speeds between six and eight metres per second, are expected in many areas across the country. These include large parts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kirehe, Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamasheke, and Rusizi Districts. Winds of this strength are also expected in northern and eastern Burera, northern and western Musanze, central Rubavu, western Nyabihu, and western and southern Ngororero. Other areas to be affected include western and eastern Nyamagabe, small parts of western Huye and Nyanza, eastern Ngoma, as well as northern and eastern parts of Kayonza and Gicumbi Districts.
