Tropical Storm weakens for Malawi

Malawi is no longer at a higher risk of experiencing the impact of a Tropical Storm from the Indian Ocean as earlier indicated.

The latest update from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) shows that the strength of the moderate Tropical Storm has weakened from 60 percent as per the initial forecast to 20 percent.

The storm accompanied by heavy rains was expected to hit Malawi today (Sunday), thereby causing massive floods in many low-lying areas in Southern Malawi.

“The pressure system in the Mozambique channel is likely not to strengthen into a Tropical Storm in the next three days as previously predicted. Nevertheless, the system will continue its northwest movement towards the Mozambique coast and is projected to reach land near Beira,” reads a latest statement from DCCMS.

“There is now only less than 20% chance that the system will reach or move closer to Malawi border. However, it is expected to bring increased rainfall to southern Malawi starting from Sunday evening until Wednesday, potentially leading to sporadic flash floods,” it adds.

The weather forecasters are therefore advising the public that districts that are likely to be moderately affected include Mulanje, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Blantyre, Mwanza and the Lower Shire Valley districts of Nsanje and Chikwawa.

While two districts, Zomba and Neno are expected to receive moderate rainfall as the DCCMS continue to monitor the movement of the low-pressure systems and continue appealing those living in low lying areas to move to upland places.