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Malawi is anticipated to face severe weather conditions during the 2024/25 rainy season, according to the Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (Sarcof). The forecast aligns with predictions from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which indicate that Malawi will experience above-average rainfall and potential flooding due to La Ni�a weather patterns.

A statement from the Sadc Secretariat following the 29th Sarcof virtual meeting, held from August 26 to 28, notes that most areas in the Sadc region are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall starting in October this year.

Sarcof's projection highlights that from December 2024 to February 2025, Malawi, along with other Sadc countries including Botswana, eSwatini, Namibia, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Angola, will experience normal to above-normal rainfall.

The statement also mentions, "The period from October to March is crucial for this outlook for Southern Africa. The temperature forecast for October 2024 to January 2025 indicates a high likelihood of above-normal temperatures across most of the region."

Last week, the National Water Resource Authority (NWRA) reported that water levels in Lake Malawi are expected to be higher during the 2024/25 hydrological year compared to the previous season, raising concerns about potential disasters in certain areas.

As of August 26, the water level in Lake Malawi was recorded at 475.70 meters above sea level (masl), 42 centimeters higher than the previous year's level of 475.28 masl on the same date.

In response, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) is preparing for the impacts of the La Ni�a weather conditions, especially in disaster-prone regions. Spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula announced plans to construct two dykes along the North Rukuru River in Karonga and the Milole River on the Shire River East Bank, which borders Chikwawa and Nsanje districts.