The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has said that most parts of the country will experience dry weather conditions at least for two months starting from this month.
“The outlook for January to February 2023 indicates that most parts of the country are likely to experience dry weather conditions. However, parts of South Western and Central Uganda are expected to receive occasional rainfall,” said David Elweru, the acting executive director of UNMA on Thursday.
He said that the temperatures are also expected to be warmer than average over most parts of the country.
According to the meteorological authority, the January to February period constitutes the major dry season over the country which is characterized by warmer day-time temperature values and hazy conditions but the late February forms an onset period for the southern parts of the country.
During the forecast period, Elweru pointed out that sunny and dry weather conditions are expected to prevail over most parts of the country that include the Northern, Eastern and Karamoja sub-region. However, a few parts of South Western extending to Central Uganda and Mount Elgon areas are likely to experience occasional rainfall conditions.
These conditions have been attributed to the current negative phase of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) over the central Pacific Ocean which is predicted to return to neutral condition by February 2023.
The executive director however added that such dry spell will cause impacts such fog and hazy conditions and there is a likelihood of increased incidences of respiratory and eye diseases as a result of dusty and windy conditions.
The two months will also be characterised by a reduction in animal pastures as a result of drier conditions.
“The expected dry conditions may impact negatively the water resources leading to a reduction in water levels and also human-wildlife conflicts may escalate during the season as wildlife animals migrate in search of water and pasture,” said the executive director.
Government has advised motorists to drive with caution whenever fog and hazy conditions prevail as well as increase surveillance to report any disease incidences to responsible authorities for immediate interventions.
