The Rwanda Meteorology Agency on Monday announced that there will be a reduction in rainfall in the next ten days but warned people living in high risk areas to leave so as not to be affected by landslides. The weather forecaster said that according to accumulated rains in the past 20 days of November, there is an increase in soil water content and river water levels that might trigger landslides in some areas. “Given the fact that rains are expected to continue in many parts of the country, impacts related to the accumulation of rains such as soil erosion, flooding of rivers and catchments, and landslides are expected to prevail in different parts of the country,” the agency revealed. It said that poor visibility and slippery roads which may cause accidents, widespread traffic and travel disruption are expected. The high amount of rainfall is expected to range between 130 and 150 mm and is expected in many parts of Rubavu, Rutsiro, and Nyamasheke Districts, over eastern parts of Rusizi Districts, western parts of Nyamagabe, Nyabihu, and northern parts of Musanze Districts. Rainfall ranging between 30 and 50 mm is the lowest expected over many parts of Kirehe District, eastern parts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza, Nyanza, Gisagara, and southern parts of Bugesera Districts. A decrease in rainfall compared to the previous records is expected during this period but is significant in the Eastern Province. The expected rainfall amount will be above the normal rains in the Western, Northern, and south western parts of the country while the remaining parts are expected to record near normal rainfall. Dry days are expected between November 23 and November 26 in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country. Forecast of wind speed Moderate to slightly strong wind speed ranging between 4 and 8 metres per second is expected across the country. Moderate wind speed ranging between 4 and 6 m/s is expected over central, south west and south eastern parts of the country. Slightly strong wind speed ranging between 6 and 8 m/s is expected over the remaining parts of the country. Temperature forecast During the period up to November 30, the average maximum temperature is expected to range between 18°C and 28°C. Some parts of Kigali City, Amayaga region, Bugarama plain, Bugesera and Ngoma Districts are expected to experience higher temperatures ranging between 26°C and 28°C. Parts of Ngororero, Rutsiro, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Musanze, Burera, Gicumbi and Nyungwe National Park are expected to receive lower temperatures ranging between 18 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius.
