The Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has issued a weather advisory alert indicating that the southern half of the country will experience four days of extreme temperatures from December 5th to 9th, 2024.
During the forecast period valley areas are expected to record extreme temperatures of about 43 degrees C.
According to the latest weather advisory alert issued by ZMD for the period 5th to 11th December, the extreme temperatures will be induced by the presence of an anticyclone.
“This trend is projected to continue in the next 4 days up to 9* December 2024. However, areas over the valleys are likely to continue experiencing hot weather conditions with temperatures reaching up 43°C.”
ZANIS reports that the Zambia Meteorological Department revealed that following the extreme temperatures, the country is expected to record reduced rainfall activities during the forecast period.
The Department further notes that the high temperatures will be coupled with reduced rainfall and mostly clear skies over most parts of the country.
The advisory further indicates that the high temperatures and dry conditions are due to the presence of an anticyclone in the middle level of the atmosphere suppressing cloud development, especially over the Southern half of Zambia.”
However, the department has indicated that the western part of the country is expected to experience showery activities from the 11th of December.
The showery activities will be influenced by the moist Congo airflow which will also result in reduced day time temperature over the southern half of the country.
“It is expected that the continental high-pressure system will move eastwards, thereby allowing the moist Congo airflow incursion over the western parts of Zambia by 11* December 2024. This will result in showery activities and a reduction in daytime temperatures over the affected areas.”
Following the forecast of extreme weather temperatures, ZMD has implored the Ministry of Health to intensify disease surveillance, especially in high-density areas, as dry conditions create favourable conditions for disease outbreaks.
“The Ministry of Health should intensify disease surveillance, especially in high-density areas. Dry conditions may create favourable conditions for diseases and pests Advisory.”
