People using marine transport along Tanzania’s coast have been urged to take precautions as the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) forecasts waves of up to two metres and strong winds in some areas over the next 24 hours.
The warning, covering the period from 9pm on Thursday, September 10 to 9pm on Friday, September 11, comes as TMA forecasts periods of rain and wind in several coastal regions.
TMA said parts of the northern Indian Ocean coast, including Tanga, Dar es Salaam and Pwani, as well as Mafia, Unguja and Pemba islands, could experience short periods of large waves reaching two metres.
The authority said the sea would generally experience moderate to large waves, advising people who depend on marine transport to exercise caution.
“Sea conditions are expected to feature moderate to large waves,” TMA said in its 24-hour forecast.
Along the northern coast, winds are expected to blow from the southeast at speeds of up to 30 kilometres per hour, while the southern coast could experience easterly winds of up to 20 kilometres per hour.
The forecast is particularly relevant to boat operators, fishermen and other people whose daily activities depend on the sea, as stronger winds and rougher waters can make marine travel more difficult.
On land, TMA forecasts partly cloudy conditions with rain in a few areas in Arusha, Manyara and Kilimanjaro regions, as well as Unguja and Pemba.
Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Lindi and Mtwara are expected to experience partly cloudy conditions, light rain in a few areas and periods of wind.
Most areas in central, western, northern and southern highland Tanzania including Dodoma, Singida, Kigoma, Tabora, Katavi, Kagera, Mara, Mwanza, Geita, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Mbeya, Rukwa, Songwe, Ruvuma, Iringa and Njombe are expected to have partly cloudy conditions with periods of sunshine.
TMA also forecasts a reduction in cold conditions across much of the country by Saturday, September 12.
The authority urged the public to continue following official weather updates, particularly those planning to travel by sea or engage in activities along the coast during the forecast period.