By The Arusha News Reporter.
The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has predicted a warm and dry September for Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions with cool nights, sunny days and only minimal chances of light showers.
TMA anticipates daily highs ranging from 25 °C to 30 °C, accompanied by cool nights between 12 °C and 16 °C. The weather will generally remain stable, with only a slight chance of isolated light showers during the early days of September.
Past data indicated that September was one of the driest months of the year. Arusha typically receives just 4.0 mm to 21 mm of total rainfall with only one rainy day expected across the month. Residents and visitors can count on long stretches of sunny skies – about 12 hours per day – and moderate breezes averaging 14 mph.
Similarly, Kilimanjaro Region around Moshi will mirror similar pattern, experiencing daytime temperatures between 24 °C and 30 °C and cool night-time lows around 10 °C to 14 °C as per TMA forecasts. Regional climate experts at ICPAC also confirm that southern parts of the Greater Horn of Africa, including Tanzania, are expected to remain dry in September.
TMA has advised farmers across northern Tanzania to use the dry September period for land preparation and maintenance activities ahead of the short rains season, known as “Vuli,” which normally begins from late October to December. “Farmers should take advantage of the current dry spell to clear fields, repair terraces, prepare storage facilities and secure inputs such as seeds and fertilisers,” the Authority said.
Agricultural officers also recommend that pastoralists plan for water and pasture conservation as grazing lands remain dry in many areas. Livestock keepers are encouraged to store crop residues and hay as an insurance against feed shortage. The next planting window is expected to open with the onset of ‘Vuli’ rains in late October, depending on the local micro-climate.
Farmers are therefore urged to complete field preparations by the end of September and early October to be ready for timely sowing once the first effective rains arrive.
The forecast comes as the nation also shifts into a politically active season, with the official launch of campaigns ahead of the October General Election. The prevailing dry conditions are expected to provide a favourable environment for outdoor rallies and gatherings though TMA has advised organisers to remain mindful of strong sunshine during the day and chilly evenings.
The current conditions are also favourable for tourism, outdoor activities and mountain trekking, but signal a critical period for farmers to prepare fields and for political parties and tourism operators alike to plan for dry-season crowds. TMA said it will continue to monitor developments and issue regular updates
