Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has forecasted heavy rains across several regions during the upcoming rainy season, prompting warnings about potential flooding, crop damage, and other disruptions.
The November 2024 to April 2025 rainy season is projected to bring above-normal rainfall to regions including Njombe, Ruvuma, Mtwara, southern and western Lindi, and parts of Mbeya, Iringa, and Morogoro.
During a press briefing, TMA’s acting director-general, Mr. Stanslaus Chang’a, cautioned that while normal agricultural activities may continue in most areas, excessive soil moisture and a higher-than-usual risk of flooding could affect crop health and farm productivity in regions expecting increased rainfall.
“Elevated soil moisture could lead to a range of challenges for farmers, from difficulty in managing crops to increased vulnerability to diseases,” said Mr. Chang’a. “In areas with historically high flood risks, water levels in rivers and dams are expected to rise, posing potential hazards to both agriculture and infrastructure.”
Communities in flood-prone areas have been urged to prepare for possible floods by implementing preventive measures. Mr. Chang’a warned that staple crops such as potatoes, maize, rice, tomatoes, sesame, and beans may face heightened risks from fungal infections and pests due to the damp conditions.
For the livestock and fisheries sectors, TMA has recommended proactive water and feed conservation plans. Mr. Chang’a encouraged pastoralists and fishers to stay updated with weather forecasts and seek guidance from agricultural extension officers to reduce potential losses and capitalize on favorable conditions.
The msimu rainy season, which occurs annually across Tanzania’s western, central, southwestern highlands, southern regions, southern coast, and parts of Morogoro, is expected to commence in Kigoma by late October. The rains will gradually spread across other regions in November, reaching Ruvuma by December.
According to TMA, the second half of the season—from February to April 2025—is likely to bring even wetter conditions than the initial period from November 2024 to January 2025.