Hassan Magulumali
The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has urged all sectors across the country to make effective use of weather information when planning measures to mitigate the potential impacts of El Niño.
TMA Board Chairman, Justice Mshibe Ali Bakari, made the call while opening the 25th meeting to discuss the October–December 2026 short rains forecast at the PSSSF Conference Hall in Dodoma.
Justice Mshibe said it was important for stakeholders to closely monitor and understand weather forecasts to enable them to take timely measures against possible weather-related impacts in their respective sectors.
“As we prepare to receive the October–December 2026 short rains forecast, it is important for each of us to closely monitor and understand the information so that we can begin preparing appropriate measures to address the expected impacts of weather in our respective sectors,” he said.
He warned that El Niño could continue strengthening towards the end of 2026, potentially influencing weather patterns during the short rains season.
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Justice Mshibe noted that Tanzania, like many other countries around the world, continues to experience the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, drought, strong winds, cyclones and periods of heavy rainfall that can trigger flooding.
He urged stakeholders not to stop at receiving weather forecasts, but to translate the information into practical decisions based on the needs and conditions of their respective sectors and locations.
TMA Director General and Vice-Chair of the International Panel on Climate Change Science, Dr Ladislaus Chang’a, said the authority had continued improving the delivery of weather information, including developing forecasts for smaller geographical areas.
He said TMA had prepared location-specific forecasts for 86 districts in regions that receive the October–December short rains, with the aim of enabling individual districts and sectors to use weather information more effectively when planning their activities.
Dr Chang’a stressed that weather forecasts and early warnings should be incorporated into decision-making across both economic and social sectors to improve productivity and reduce potential losses caused by adverse weather conditions associated with El Niño.
“This year, 2026, we are facing the challenge of El Niño, which is expected to continue strengthening towards the end of the year and influence the short rains. Therefore, the timely and proper use of weather information is important for every sector in addressing this challenge,” he said.
Makame Kh. Makame, Director of the Disaster Management Commission in Zanzibar, said weather forecasting was particularly important during periods of El Niño, when communities and key sectors need to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms.
He said accurate forecasts enable communities and institutions to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters that may arise from extreme weather conditions.
The meeting, held under the theme “Bridging the Gap in Understanding Weather Warnings Together,” also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to give feedback on the previous Masika rainfall season forecast, which recorded an accuracy rate of 94.1 percent.
TMA is expected to officially release the October–December 2026 short rains forecast on August 18, 2026.
