Above-average rainfall, strong winds expected in late February

Meteo Rwanda has issued a warning that rainfall in the last week of February is likely to exceed historical averages, urging residents to take precautions as wet conditions persist nationwide. Between February 21 and 28, the country is expected to receive 80 to 150 millimetres of rainfall, significantly above the 30-year average of 10 to 80 millimetres. ALSO READ: Meteo Rwanda forecasts above-average rainfall in January Most areas will experience four to six rainy days, depending on location. Meteorologists attribute the heavy rains to the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone shifting toward the Equator and a weakly active phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation, both enhancing moisture inflow over Rwanda. The highest rainfall, ranging between 130 and 150 millimetres, is expected in Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, and Rusizi districts, as well as parts of Nyamasheke, Gisagara, Huye, Karongi, Nyanza, and Ruhango. ALSO READ: Meteo Rwanda mulls fee on forecast data Moderate rainfall, between 80 and 110 millimetres, is forecast for Kigali and parts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Rwamagana, and Bugesera districts. In addition to heavy rainfall, moderate to strong winds of 4 to 12 metres per second are expected across the country, with the strongest gusts of 8 to 12 metres per second in Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Karongi, Ngororero, Musanze, Nyanza, Nyabihu, Burera, Ruhango, and Rwamagana districts. Maximum daytime temperatures during this period will range between 21°C and 30°C, while nighttime lows are expected between 9°C and 18°C. With soils already saturated from mid-February rains, Meteo Rwanda has urged residents to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to reduce risks of floods, landslides, and property damage. Particular caution is advised in Kigali, Musanze, Burera, Gakenke, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Huye, and Gisagara districts, where thunderstorms and strong winds are expected to persist.

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Above-average rainfall, strong winds expected in late February