BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
TANZANIANS, travellers, visitors and farmers have been advised to prepare for wetter-than-normal conditions after the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) warned that a strong El Niño is expected to influence the October to December 2026 short-rains season.
TMA says above-normal to normal rainfall is expected in Arusha, Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, Shinyanga, Simiyu and Mara, as well as parts of Kigoma, Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Coast and Morogoro regions and the islands of Unguja, Pemba and Mafia.
For Arusha, Manyara and Kilimanjaro, the rains are expected to begin during the first and second weeks of October and may continue into January 2027. In the Lake Victoria regions, rainfall could begin from the fourth week of September while November is expected to record a general increase in rainfall.
TMA Director General, Dr Ladislaus Chang’a, warned that heavy rainfall could cause flooding, waterlogging, road erosion, damage to bridges and disruption to transport and other infrastructure.
The forecast is particularly important for tourists, safari operators and residents travelling across northern Tanzania, where wet conditions can affect road access to national parks, airports and rural destinations. TMA also cautioned that flooding may cause wildlife movement from protected areas and increase pressure on surrounding communities. The rains may also seriously affect farming and livestock.
TMA told media that short-term forecasts and local warnings should continue to be monitored because conditions can vary considerably between districts. Visitors should check conditions before road journeys and park excursions. Farmers have been urged to check the suitability of agricultural activities.
