Nyabihu, Ngororero to see heaviest mid-January rains

The country is expected to receive above-average rainfall in mid-January, with the highest amounts forecast in parts of Nyabihu and Ngororero districts, according to the Rwanda Meteorology Agency (Meteo Rwanda). In its outlook for the second ten-day period of January, from January 11 to 20, Meteo Rwanda says rainfall across the country is likely to range between 20 and 150 millimetres. This exceeds the long-term average for the period, which typically ranges from 10 to 95 millimetres. Several areas are expected to receive rainfall well above the seasonal norm. These include much of the Western Province, parts of the Southern Province, particularly Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru and sections of Musanze, Burera, Gicumbi and Nyagatare districts. Parts of Huye, Nyanza, Ruhango and Gisagara are also likely to experience heavier rainfall, with totals ranging between 110 and 150 millimetres over the ten-day period. Other areas, including remaining parts of the Western and Northern Provinces and much of the Southern Province, are forecast to receive between 80 and 110 millimetres of rainfall, which is still above average. Central areas, including parts of Kigali City, are expected to record slightly above-normal rainfall, while some eastern regions may receive lower amounts of between 20 and 30 millimetres. ALSO READ: Meteo Rwanda forecasts above-average rainfall in January Rainfall is expected from three to five days during the period, depending on location. Meteo Rwanda attributes the increased rainfall to the movement of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone toward the Equatorial region, a shift that enhances moisture availability and leads to more active weather conditions over Rwanda. Temperatures are forecast to remain moderate. Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to range between 21°C and 29°C, with cooler conditions in high-altitude areas and warmer temperatures in low-lying regions, including parts of the Eastern Province, Kigali City, the Bugarama plain and the Amayaga area. Night-time minimum temperatures are expected to range from 9°C to 18°C. Windy conditions are also anticipated, with moderate to strong winds forecast across the country at speeds of between 6 and 12 metres per second. Stronger winds are expected in parts of Kigali City and in some areas of the Eastern and Western Provinces. Given the combination of above-normal rainfall and strong winds, Meteo Rwanda has urged the public to take necessary precautions, especially in areas that have recently experienced heavy rainfall and unstable weather conditions.

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Nyabihu, Ngororero to see heaviest mid-January rains