The country is heading into a wetter than usual March, with above normal rainfall, strong winds and sharp temperature contrasts expected across the country, according to the latest outlook from the Rwanda Meteorology Agency. In its March forecast released on February 28, the agency projects total monthly rainfall ranging between 100 and 350 millimetres, slightly above the long term mean (LTM) of 89 to 292 millimetres . ALSO READ: 11 killed by rain-induced disasters in February The heaviest rainfall is expected during the first and second dekads of the month, while rainfall in the final third of March is forecast to fall within the normal range. Western and northern districts to receive the heaviest rainfall The highest rainfall totals, ranging between 300 and 350 millimetres, are expected in Nyabihu and Nyaruguru, as well as parts of Nyamagabe, Rusizi and Musanze. ALSO READ: Districts race to fix bridges amid rising flood risks Similar heavy rainfall is also forecast in parts of Gisagara, Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rutsiro, Rubavu, Huye, Gakenke, Ngororero and Burera. Rainfall amounts of 250 to 300 millimetres are expected in many other areas of the Western and Northern provinces, along with parts of the City of Kigali. Lighter rainfall expected in the East Rainfall ranging between 200 and 250 millimetres is forecast in Bugesera, much of the City of Kigali, the Southern Province, Gicumbi, Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Rwamagana, Ngoma and Kirehe. The remaining parts of the Eastern Province are expected to receive the lowest rainfall overall, with most areas forecast to record between 150 and 200 millimetres. However, some parts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza are likely to receive as little as 100 to 150 millimetres, the lowest amounts nationwide. Strong winds across several districts In addition to rainfall, moderate to strong winds of between 4 and 12 metres per second (m/s) are expected across the country. The strongest winds, ranging between 8 and 12m/s, are forecast in Gisagara, Bugesera, Ruhango, Kamonyi, as well as parts of Huye, Nyanza, Nyamagabe, Gicumbi, Ngoma, Muhanga, Rwamagana, Nyagatare, Burera, Musanze, Nyabihu and Rubavu . Calmer winds of 4 to 6m/s are expected in parts of Rutsiro, Rubavu, Nyamasheke and Rusizi, while most other areas will experience winds of 6 to 8m/s. Wide temperature contrasts expected Temperatures are forecast to vary significantly by location. Maximum temperatures will range between 21°C and 30°C, with the hottest conditions, between 27°C and 30°C, expected in the City of Kigali, much of the Eastern Province, the Amayaga region, Huye, Nyaruguru and the Bugarama plain. Cooler daytime temperatures, ranging between 21°C and 23°C, are expected in high altitude districts including Musanze, Nyabihu, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Ngororero, Burera, Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Rutsiro and Rubavu. Minimum temperatures will range between 10°C and 18°C. The coldest nights, of 10°C to 12°C, are forecast in Burera, Musanze, Nyabihu, Ngororero, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Rusizi and Rubavu, while the warmest nights, between 16°C and 18°C, are expected in the City of Kigali, Gatsibo, Kayonza and Kirehe .
