Tanzanians have been urged to use weather forecasts and early warnings to prepare for extreme weather events, protect lives and property, and minimise disruptions to economic activities ahead of the November 2026 to April 2027 rainy season.
Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) Board Chairman Justice Mshibe Ali Bakari said timely use of weather information could help communities and institutions take preventive measures before disasters occur, reducing potential losses.
He made the remarks on October 19, 2026, while opening a multi-sector stakeholders’ meeting in Dodoma to discuss the expected impacts of weather conditions and develop recommendations for different sectors ahead of the release of the seasonal rainfall forecast.
“Effective disaster response begins before the impacts occur. When we act early, we protect the community,” he stressed, urging stakeholders to use weather alerts to plan preventive measures rather than wait for disasters to strike.
The meeting, held at the PSSSF Hall, brought together stakeholders from different sectors to strengthen preparedness and improve the use of meteorological information in decision-making.
The call comes as the country prepares for the November 2026 to April 2027 rainy season, when accurate forecasts will be important for planning activities in agriculture, transport, water management, health and disaster response.
TMA Director General Dr Ladislaus Chang’a, who is also Vice-Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), urged the public to continue following weather forecasts and warnings, particularly as rainfall is expected to intensify towards the end of October and during November.
“As we explained in the forecast issued on August 18, 2026, we expect rainfall to continue increasing towards the end of this month, particularly in November,” he said.
The anticipated increase in rainfall highlights the need for farmers, local authorities, businesses and other institutions to use weather information when planning their activities and preparing for possible weather-related risks.
For farmers, timely forecasts can help guide decisions on planting and other agricultural activities, while local authorities can use the information to prepare for potential flooding and other hazards. Transport operators and infrastructure managers can also take precautions against disruptions associated with heavy rainfall.
Justice Bakari said preparedness should be a shared responsibility, calling on stakeholders to strengthen the use and dissemination of weather information so that warnings reach the people and institutions that need them in time.
The meeting was held under the theme, “Bridging the Gap in Understanding Weather Warnings Together,” with the aim of improving public understanding of weather alerts and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders in communicating and using meteorological information.
TMA is expected to officially release the November 2026 to April 2027 seasonal rainfall forecast on October 23, 2026.
The release will be preceded by workshops involving editors and journalists to improve understanding and reporting of the forecast.
The seasonal outlook is expected to provide guidance for planning and preparedness across different sectors, although its practical value will depend on how effectively the information is communicated and translated into timely action.