It will be very cold until August- Uganda National Meteorological Authority

The Uganda National Meteorological Authority has made a statement about the cold conditions over most parts of the country noting that such cold conditions are occasionally associated with moderate winds which could cause several impacts across the different sectors of the economy.

The authority said in a letter signed off by Paul Isabirye, the Executive Director that during the months of June, July and August, the Southern Hemisphere experiences the Southern Winter and weather systems over Southern Africa which are associated with cold weather conditions hence the winds blowing from the semi - permanent high pressure systems of Mascarene in the Indian Ocean and St Helena in the Atlantic towards our region are cold, and when these winds blow over the region, they bring cold conditions.

" This weather phenomenon has led to significant decrease in temperatures (both maximum and minimum temperatures) especially over South Western parts of the country and the Lake Victoria Basin. Therefore the current coldness is being caused mainly by the flow of southerly cold winds over our region originating from Southern Africa and leading to the cold weather to prevail over most parts of the country," the letter reads in part.

They further indicate that the cold weather is likely to prevail until mid August 2018 where the phenomenon is expected to have reduced. This would however leave impacts on many sectors with health, agriculture, air transport and road transport among the main areas to be affected.

Advice.

The authority has advised the general public to keep warm by adopting warm clothing in order to guard against like cases of respiratory diseases which include Asthma, Pneumonia, common colds (flue) among others that are expected to be on upsurge due to the cold weather conditions.

Agriculture is also likely to be affected severely although the cold provides a conducive space for crops that were panted during March to May season to mature quickly.

Landing and takeoff at Entebbe International Airport and other domestic aerodromes are likely to be affected as well due to fog and poor visibility which may occasionally lead to diversion of flights.

In the same lines road transport will be affected as such due to foggy conditions. Motorists have been warned to take their time while on the road in a bid to minimise accidents.