The Ministry of Water and Environment has officially released the seasonal weather forecast for the March-April-May (MAM) 2025 period, cautioning the public about continued dry conditions, delayed rainfall onset, and anticipated above-normal temperatures across most parts of Uganda.
Dr. Alfred Okidi, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Water and Environment, delivered the forecast on behalf of the government, emphasizing the importance of the projections in guiding decision-making across key sectors such as agriculture, water resources, health, and disaster preparedness.
“Uganda is currently experiencing dry conditions with high temperatures, a situation that is expected to persist until mid-March, after which cooling will occur as the rains begin,” Dr. Okidi stated.
According to the ministry, the current extreme heat is attributed to a combination of climatic factors, including the ongoing dry season, the influence of a tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean, the sun’s position near the equator, and the urban heat island effect in major towns and cities.
“The dry season from December to February is naturally a hot period, with February being the peak of high temperatures. Additionally, a tropical cyclone over the southern Indian Ocean has disrupted normal moisture flow, delaying the onset of the rainy season.”Dr. Okidi explained.
He further noted that increased solar radiation due to the sun’s positioning and the heat-retaining infrastructure in urban areas have compounded the extreme heat being felt across the country.
To mitigate the effects of the high temperatures, the ministry has advised the public to stay hydrated, avoid excessive physical activity during peak heat hours, seek shade or stay indoors, and take frequent showers to regulate body temperature.
“Planting more trees and increasing vegetation cover in urban centers is also key in reducing the urban heat effect,” he added.
The seasonal outlook for the MAM 2025 period indicates that most regions of Uganda will experience near-normal to above-normal rainfall. However, the rains are expected to start later than usual, with isolated thunderstorms, strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms anticipated in several parts of the country.
“Rains will establish around mid-to-late March, peaking between mid-April and early May. Temperatures will remain higher than average throughout the season.”Dr. Okidi said.
The forecast highlights regional variations, with southwestern and central Uganda expecting rainfall onset around mid-March, while eastern and northern regions will likely see rains begin slightly later.
“The dry conditions will persist in the north until mid-March, with rainfall beginning in late March to early April. In western Uganda, rains are expected to set in between early and mid-March, while the Lake Victoria basin will receive rains by mid-March.”Dr. Okidi stated.
The ministry has also outlined potential impacts of the expected weather patterns. Increased rainfall could lead to waterlogging, crop destruction due to flash floods and hailstorms, soil erosion, and an upsurge in pests and vector-borne diseases.
On the positive side, improved soil moisture will support better crop yields, while increased water availability will benefit both domestic use and industrial production.
To prepare for the season, the ministry is advising farmers to plant at the onset of the rains, prioritize high-yielding crop varieties, implement soil conservation techniques, and practice pest surveillance.
Authorities have also been urged to clear urban drainage systems to prevent flooding, while health officials are expected to monitor disease outbreaks.
“The forecast indicates significant implications on agriculture, food security, water resources, and health,” Dr. Okidi emphasized. “We urge all stakeholders to use this information for strategic planning to protect livelihoods and strengthen climate resilience.”
He assured the public that the Ministry of Water and Environment would continue providing timely weather updates to guide national and community-level planning.
