MET_WFP_PRESENTATION Rainfall performance update:2015/16 season

Weekly rainfall as at 27 April 2016 Light showers were reported in Mashonaland East and drizzle, measuring less than 10mm was recorded in the extreme east of Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.

Accumulated rainfall from 01 October 2015 to 27 April 2016 Stations with rainfall totals above 700mm for this 2015/2016 season are in Midlands, Mashonaland provinces, parts of Matabeleland provinces and Manicaland. However, Mukandi with 1331mm is topping the list. Other stations with accumulated amounts above 700mm are: Chisengu (1002mm), Chakari (926mm), Henderson (782mm) Chimanimani (779mm) and Victoria Falls (731mm). There are areas in Masvingo and south of Matabeleland South covering Triangle to Makoholi stretching to Esigodini, which had accumulated rainfall totals below 300mm (light green). The least in that category is Triangle with 228mm. The following had recorded very low accumulated rainfall totals for the season: Esigodini (277mm), Filabusi (281mm), Rupike (282mm), Matopos (301mm), Nyazura (302mm) and Buffalo Range (310mm).

Percentage of normal rainfall from 01-October 2015 to 13April 2016 Our rainfall season starts in October and ends in March. It extends into April depending on the season. As such, our season ended with about 45% of the country in the normal to above normal category (green). The remainder is in the normal to below normal range

Comparison of the % of normal rainfall as at the end of the official end of rainy season

Percentage of normal rainfall from 01 October 2015 to 27 April 2016 Areas around Mberengwa, Zvishavane, Masvingo, Buffalo Range and Makoholi ended the 2015/2016 season below 50% of their long term average

Forecast for April-May-June

Conclusions Season extended into April. Although the onset was good (mid November) there were long dry spells which contributed to the poor rainfall season. The Sub-season AMJ is not expected to bring any extraordinary rainfall in the country. The bulk of the rainfall is expected in April. It is important to note that for most stations in Zimbabwe the long term average rainfall for AMJ ≤100mm (The three month average). In general our Seasonal Forecast correct.