Rwanda is expected to experience widespread rainfall during the festive season, with weather forecasters predicting above average rains across much of the country in the last ten days of December, according to Rwanda Meteorology Agency (Meteo Rwanda). ALSO READ: Meteo Rwanda mulls fee on forecast data Rainfall ranging between 20 and 100 millimetres is expected from December 21 to 31, above the long term average of 20 to 70 millimetres. However, some parts of Eastern Province are likely to receive rainfall within the normal range. Higher rainfall amounts of between 80 and 100 millimetres are forecast in many parts of the Western Province, as well as Musanze, Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts. Other areas, including the City of Kigali and several parts of the Western, Southern and Northern provinces, are expected to receive between 60 and 80 millimetres. The rains are expected to be largely be driven by the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone as it drifts towards the Equator, according to the agency. ALSO READ: Inside efforts to improve weather forecast accuracy Moderate rainfall of between 40 and 60 millimetres is forecast in parts of Rwamagana, Gicumbi, Bugesera, Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza and Ngoma districts, while the remaining parts of the country are likely to receive between 20 and 40 millimetres. Daytime temperatures during the festive period are expected to range between 18 and 30°C. Warmer conditions, with temperatures rising to between 28 and 30°C, are anticipated in some parts of Bugarama plain, Bugesera District and Kigali City. Cooler daytime temperatures, ranging between 18 and 20 degrees, are expected in parts of Musanze, Nyabihu, Nyamagabe, Ngororero, Rubavu, Nyamasheke and Rutsiro districts. Night time temperatures are forecast to range between 9 and 19°C. The coolest nights are expected in some parts of Musanze and Nyabihu districts, while relatively warmer nights are likely in Kigali City, many areas of the Eastern Province and parts of Kamonyi, Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Ruhango, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Rusizi, Nyamasheke and Karongi districts. Meteo Rwanda has also warned of moderate to strong winds during the period, with speeds ranging between 4 and 12 metres per second across the country. Stronger winds are expected in some parts of Rubavu, Musanze, Burera, Gicumbi, Nyamagabe, Rwamagana, Nyanza and Gatsibo districts. Meteo Rwanda has advised the public, especially people living in areas expected to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds, to take precautionary measures and follow guidance from relevant authorities to minimise possible risks during the festive season.
