Weather Advisory

The rainfall forecast during the last ten days of October shows that the entire country is expected to be much wetter with the exception of the Karamoja sub-region. Such conditions are expected to cover the entire western sector of the country spanning from West Nile through the Rwenzori sub-region to Kabale and Kisoro in Southwestern. Other wetter areas include the Central cattle corridor, parts of Acholi, areas around and within Lake Victoria, the Elgon sub-region, southern and eastern Lake Kyoga basin

Warmer conditions, but to some extent hotter ones are expected in the northern part of the country, particularly in parts of West Nile, Acholi, and Lango sub-regions. The rest of the country is expected to be warm just like over the first ten days of October. The highest maximum temperatures are expected to lie in the range of 280C to 320C.The lowest temperatures of up to 80C are forecast to occur over the much higher areas in the highlands of Rwenzori and Elgon but 8 to 100C are expected in the extreme southerly areas of South Western. The areas in the cattle corridors in Central and Southern, as well as south of Lake Kyoga, are expected to experience minimum temperatures between 140C and 160C.rnMuch higher mean daily temperatures ranging from 240C to 260C or more, are expected to be still a major feature of temperature characteristics in West Nile, Acholi, Northern Lake Kyoga basin in Lango and Karamoja subregion

The rainfall forecast depicts wetter conditions in several areas in West Nile, Central, Mid-Western, South Western, Rwenzori and Elgon sub-regions. The potential hazards expected to occur are flash floods, waterlogging, and contamination of water sources due to increased surface runoff into such sources and disruption of traffic flows along transportation routes as some bridges may be washed away or collapse rnrnAdvisories rn1. With the anticipated rains over most parts of the country, this will offer conducive conditions for pasture growth and availability in the cattle corridor for livestock. 2. The unnecessary use of pesticides and herbicides should be discouraged because surface runoff will carry such chemicals into water sources used by communities and in fish ponds, affecting their productivity. rn3. The communities in the entire cattle corridor, northern and eastern are advised to put in place water storage facilities for harvesting of rainwater to use during periods when rains may relax. rn4. Pruning of tree crops should be undertaken in the areas of the western sector of the country while construction of drainage channels is advised to be undertaken in all low-lying areas of West Nile, Central and Eastern regions to minimise stagnation of water over crop gardens or parcels. rn5. Monitor and report any emergence of crop pests, animal parasites and plant diseases to technical staff at sub-county and district. rn6. Take advantage of the rains and engage in tree planting as a venture to reduce hailstorm damage to crops but also as an income-generating project for meeting future household needs. rn7. Communities are encouraged to drink safe water for good health, particularly in rural areas as water sources are often contaminated during rainy seasons. rn8. Urban authorities should clear off clogged water pathways or open up drainage channels to avoid truncation of the roads by turbulent water overflows and over-flooded transport routes.