A researcher at Okavango Research Institute (ORI) Mr Oliver Moses has
predicted a lot of rainfall in Botswana due to La Nino, which has affected the
Equatorial Pacific region.
Mr Moses, who was presenting his research finding dubbed Current Rains and
Ocean Atmosphere Interaction, during a stakeholder meeting in Maun recently,
said normal to above normal rain fall was expected between January and March
this year
The research’s main aim was to update stakeholders on the current rains and
to explain their connection with ocean-atmosphere interactions in relation to
Botswana’s climate.
Another aim was to sensitise them about how the warming and cooling of the
Equatorial Pacific Ocean influenced Botswana’s climate.
Mr Moses revealed that generally, La Nina was associated with wet conditions,
while its counterpart, El Nino was associated with dry conditions in Botswana.
He said sometimes trade winds intensified causing an upsurge that is stronger
than usual, resulting in temperatures that are colder than normal.
He explained that what happens in the oceans affects the weather in Botswana,
adding that currently the country has already received more rainfall which
caused havoc in some parts resulting in some buildings, roads and bridges
destroyed.
Furthermore, the researcher observed that some major dams in the country are
already full.
The gathering was also briefed that in Ngamiland, there was a shift as
rainfall started in November while generally rain season starts in October.
He said the shift was caused by climate change adding that this season, the
district experienced more rains in January.
“We have already experienced more rain in January and yet the season is not
ending which means by the end of the season, the rains will be significant. This
year there is a lot of rain coming,” he added.
The acting director of ORI, Professor Joseph Mbaiwa thanked the researcher
for his informative presentation noting that the stakeholders now know what will
happen in the next three months in terms of rainfall. BOPA
