Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services says Nkhata Bay is expected to receive normal to above normal rainfall from this month to April 2024.

The department’s principal meteorologist James Pagona disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday after briefing district executive committee (DEC) members and other stakeholders on the 2023 seasonal forecast.

“Our projected 2023/2024 rainy season forecast for Nkhata Bay is showing that most parts of the district are going to receive normal to above normal rainfall. This means that most parts will receive increased rainfall rather than less rainfall,” he said.

Pagona further said rainfall onset is expected from the fourth week of November to the second week of December, adding that the district is expected to experience seven days of dry spell in February and prolonged dry spells in January 2024, especially in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kabunduli.

Nkhata Bay chief agriculture officer Watford Banda said the Department of Agriculture has more work to do in disseminating the information to the communities.

“The message has come at the right time and we need to prepare farmers on what crops to grow and how to care for animals so that come the rains, if it is above normal, they should be safe,” he said.

Nkhata Bay Disaster risk management officer Rachael Kamanga said her department will utilise community structures such as District Civil Protection Committees to disseminate the information.

During the 2022/2023 rainy season, some parts of Nkhata Bay experienced heavy rains that destroyed several houses and other properties.

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