Normal rainfall predicted for upcoming cropping se...

Normal rainfall predicted for upcoming cropping season

Zim Now Writer

The 2024/2025 cropping season is predicted to experience normal to above-normal rainfall, authorities have confirmed, noting that the weather patterns are associated with the La Niña weather phenomenon.

According to latest forecasts from various agencies, the predicted weather pattern will see warmer winter and normal to above normal rainfall, with expects adding that the transition to a La Niña weather pattern is usually experienced after strong levels of an El Niño.

This comes as governments in Southern Africa have declared States of Disaster, owing to the El Niño-induced drought that has paralysed any meaningful harvests in the current season.

However, the Metrological Services Department last week, in its mid-term weather forecast, revealed that forecasts suggest the likelihood of La Niña to start by June to August 2024, adding that various sectors that depend on weather for production might need to start adaptation to changed temperature and rainfall amounts.

“Although the El Niño phenomenon observed during the summer did not reach the level of a strong El Niño, there are indications of a transition to La Niña. Historically, strong El Niño have been followed by two consecutive seasons of La Niña.

“The intensity of this transition can vary, but it is expected to have a significant impact on weather patterns during the spring and summer seasons. The current projections suggest an increased likelihood of La Niña developing by June-August 2024.

“Understanding these weather patterns is important for various sectors and stakeholders to prepare and adapt to potential changes in precipitation, temperature and related impacts,” read the report.

MSD head of forecast, James Ngoma, in an interview with a weekly paper, confirmed the development noting that the country should prepare for a La Niña experience this winter.

“La Niña is predicted for the winter period currently. It might extend into further months, but that is currently up to God,” said Ngoma.

Board chairperson of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, Ivan Craig expressed joy over the development, adding that with all preparations done on time, such forecasts will increase pastures livestock and retain Zimbabwe’s breadbasket status.

“La Niña is good news for farmers, especially after facing the vagaries of the El Niño phenomenon. With all preparations in place and on time, we can retain our breadbasket status, from grain production to livestock.

“You will find that we are going to see vigorous growth of pastures, which actually provides farmers with an opportunity to have enough feed, especially if we do hay baling in time. Poverty deaths will be a thing of the past.

“However, more rains increase the prevalence of ticks, and this requires good and timeous preparations for dipping infrastructure and chemicals,” Craig said.

The Zimbabwean government has warned of a grain deficit of more than 600 000 metric tonnes, with President Mnangagwa extending a call for assistance from both local and international organisations.