By Jeff Kapembwa
Characteristics of climate change continue in Zambia with many part of the country, the capital Lusaka, included, projected to heat up, as much as 40 degrees, as the La Nina lingers in the horizon, predicting above to normal rainfall for most regions during the 2024-25 season.
The weather Agency-Zambia Meteorological Department predicts a ‘hotter than Normal November’-running into early December, before opening up to the country’s main rainfall season-predicting normal to above-normal rainfall for many of the 10 regions as La Nina dawns.
Meteorological expert, Peggy Thole indicated that the county was now in a hottest moment with temperatures expected to average around 39-40 degrees Celsius-a general rise in temperature among other areas, Lusaka before cool temperatures can be recorded ahead of the drop of the rains in early December.
Update from the Meteorological Department, Thursday, shows that Northwestern, Western, Copperbelt, Luapula and Eastern Provinces including the western districts of Southern province remain partly cloudy, windy at times and hot to very hot with isolated thunderstorms.
This scenario would be experienced especially over the northern parts of Northwestern and Luapula. Maximum where temperature is projected to range between 31°C and 38°C. Thursday evening, according to the agency, will be partly cloudy, windy at times and warm with a chance of isolated rain.
Lusaka, Central, Muchinga and Northern Provinces including the eastern districts of Southern province:
Partly cloudy, windy at times and hot to very hot. Maximum temperature will range between 30°C and 37°C. The evening will have few clouds, windy at times and warm weather conditions.
Wednesday’s temperatures recorded in various parts of the country varied. Kafue polder, Senanga and Mongu had 38°C, Mfuwe 40°C, Kabwe Agro, Zambezi Mt Makulu and Livingstone 37°C, Msekera and Mumbwa 36°C, Kawambwa, Kabwe met and Chipepo 35°C, Kasama, Kafironda and Ndola 34°C.
The Agency however, notes that with the prevailing situation, rainfall in most parts of Zambia are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in November. However, this may include localized heavy downpours and flooding in some flood-prone areas.
The temperature is forecasts to be above-normal temperatures across equatorial Africa, including Zambia. The combination of heat and moderate rainfall can increase humidity.
The higher temperatures expected in November will have greater bearing on various sectors with agriculture expected to experience various shortcomings. Farmers are advised to look out for potential impact on the farming practices with the hot November including a request to delay planting of crops.
It warns of various human, crop and soil health challenges. It urges the people to stay hydrated all the time by drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration. People are urged to avoid exposure by limiting physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day and seek shade or air conditioning.
Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, the elderly, and young children are at a higher risk of health complications. Extreme heat forecast during the period is likely to create an environment for adverse mental health outcomes, including depression.
Crop yields may reduce as soil moisture reduces, in turn providing an ideal environment for pests and diseases. The mixture of a weak La Niña and increased rainfall is generally beneficial for the 2025 agricultural season.
The uneven start and extreme temperatures could pose challenges on public health and could be a harbinger for increased risk of heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.
There is a greater risk of effects on water sources, created by intense evaporation from the heat, likely to put a strain on water sources, particularly during dry spells.
Flooding risks are on the horizon, spurred by a combination of dry, hard soil and episodes of heavy rain that can increase the risk of flooding, particularly in urban areas like Lusaka. This can damage infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and contaminate water.
A hot November could stress the energy grid; the weather agency warns as Zambia’s 86 percent reliance on hydro power generation comes under microscopic analysis with experts asking for diversification to alternative sources through renewables.
Farmers are advised to apply smart agriculture practices to counter the climatic impact expected, including mulching, to retain soil moisture. There is a need to invest in research and development for climate adaptation.
There is a clarion call to adapt climate-resilient infrastructure through improving infrastructure and developing adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme weather, the agency said in its daily update.