Rwanda Meteorological Agency has forecast slightly below-average rainfall for May 2026, with total amounts expected to range between 50mm and 230mm across the country. In its outlook released on Thursday, April 30, the agency indicated that although rainfall will fall within the broader long-term mean (62mm to 250mm), most parts of the country will record a slight decline, especially in the second and third parts of the month. ALSO READ: Heavy rains expected in March-May season The first 10 days of May are expected to receive near-normal rainfall, before conditions gradually become drier towards the end of the month. Western, Northern to receive highest rainfall Higher rainfall amounts, ranging between 200mm and 230mm, are expected in districts such as Burera, Musanze, Nyabihu, Ngororero, Karongi, Rusizi and Nyamasheke. Similar conditions are forecast in parts of Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru, as well as sections of Rutsiro and Rubavu. ALSO READ: Meteo Rwanda mulls fee on forecast data The City of Kigali, along with much of Northern, Western and Southern provinces, is expected to receive between 150mm and 200mm of rainfall, although some eastern and southern parts of Kigali may record slightly lower totals. Rainfall ranging between 100mm and 150mm is expected in parts of Southern Province, as well as areas in Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Ngoma and Bugesera. ALSO READ: Inside efforts to improve weather forecast accuracy The lowest rainfall totals, ranging between 50mm and 100mm, are expected in the remaining parts of Eastern Province. Temperatures to remain within seasonal range Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 19°C and 29°C nationwide. Warmer conditions, ranging between 26°C and 29°C, are forecast in Kigali, the Amayaga region, Bugarama plain and much of Eastern Province. Cooler daytime temperatures, ranging from 19°C to 21°C, are expected in high-altitude areas, including Nyabihu, as well as parts of Musanze, Ngororero, Nyamagabe, Rutsiro and Rubavu. Minimum temperatures will range between 10°C and 19°C. The coldest nights, between 10°C and 12°C, are expected in highland areas such as Nyabihu, Musanze and parts of Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru. Warmer nights of 16°C to 19°C are expected in Kigali and parts of Eastern Province, including Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza and Kirehe. Moderate to strong winds expected Wind speed across the country is expected to range between 4 and 12 metres per second. Stronger winds, between 8 and 12 m/s, are forecast in parts of Karongi, Rutsiro, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Ngororero, Rusizi, Nyamagabe and Nyamasheke, as well as sections of Kirehe, Burera and Gatsibo. The City of Kigali and several other districts, including Gakenke, Bugesera, Rwamagana, Huye and Ngoma, are expected to experience lighter winds ranging between 4 and 6 m/s. The rest of the country will record moderate wind speeds of between 6 and 8 m/s.
