Joseph Isangura
Residents across Tanzania should prepare for a combination of cloudy skies, scattered showers and sunny intervals over the next 24 hours, according to the latest national weather outlook issued on December 15.
The forecast, which took effect at 9.00 p.m., points to generally unstable atmospheric conditions affecting large parts of the country, with rainfall expected in isolated areas while other locations experience warm and dry spells.
In the coastal belt, including Dar es Salaam and neighbouring areas, skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy, with thundershowers likely to develop in a few locations. These rains are not forecast to be widespread, and sunny intervals are expected to break through at times. Similar conditions are anticipated further south in Lindi and Mtwara, where cloud cover and occasional showers may briefly interrupt otherwise bright weather.
Central and eastern regions, including Pwani, Morogoro and Ruvuma, are also expected to experience partly cloudy conditions, accompanied by thundershowers over limited areas. Weather experts say such patterns are typical during this period, as moisture-laden winds interact with rising temperatures across the country. The western regions of Katavi, Tabora and Kigoma are forecast to follow a similar trend, with brief rainfall episodes and periods of sunshine.
In the southern highlands, covering areas such as Rukwa, Songwe, Iringa, Njombe and Mbeya, residents can expect partly cloudy skies and isolated rain showers. Temperatures in these regions are projected to remain relatively mild compared to the lowlands, reflecting the influence of altitude. Meanwhile, the Lake Zone regions of Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, Simiyu, Shinyanga and Mara are likely to see partly cloudy conditions, with light rain falling in a few areas, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. These regions lie close to Lake Victoria, whose presence often influences local weather patterns.
Northern and northeastern areas, including Tanga, Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Manyara, are expected to enjoy generally sunny periods, although clouds may build up intermittently. In the islands of Unguja and Pemba, as well as in Singida and Dodoma, the outlook points to partly cloudy skies with extended sunny intervals, providing favourable conditions for daily activities and travel.
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Temperature readings suggest warm to hot conditions across most urban centres. Dar es Salaam is expected to record highs of around 34 degrees Celsius, while Dodoma may reach up to 32 degrees. Coastal towns such as Tanga and Zanzibar are also forecast to remain hot and humid, with maximum temperatures of about 33 degrees. Cooler conditions are expected in highland areas such as Arusha, Mbeya and Njombe, where minimum temperatures may drop to between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius.
Winds along the Indian Ocean coastline are forecast to blow at an average speed of about 20 kilometres per hour. Northeastern sections of the coast are expected to experience south-easterly winds, while easterly winds are forecast further south. Sea conditions are expected to remain slight, posing minimal risk to marine transport and fishing activities in the short term. More information on the country’s coastline and climate can be found on the Tanzania reference page.
Looking ahead, meteorologists say only slight changes are expected by Wednesday, December 17, indicating a continuation of the current weather pattern. Authorities have advised the public, particularly farmers, fishermen and road users, to remain attentive to daily forecasts as weather conditions continue to evolve. Updates and general background on national forecasting services are available through the Tanzania Meteorological Authority.
