Experts warn of uneven rains in 2026/27 season

Farmers could face a difficult planting season if they fail to prepare early for rainfall that may not be evenly distributed across Malawi.

Experts are urging farmers and other stakeholders to plan ahead after climate forecasts indicated that the 2026/27 rainy season could bring varying rainfall patterns across different parts of the country.

The forecast indicates that the Northern Region is likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, while most parts of the Southern Region could receive below-normal rainfall.

The Central Region is expected to experience changing rainfall conditions, with normal to above-normal rainfall likely at the beginning of the season before shifting to normal to below-normal rainfall later in the season.

Agriculture expert Leonard Chimwaza says the forecast should help farmers make early decisions and prepare according to the expected rainfall conditions in their areas.

Chimwaza says the differences in rainfall patterns could have implications for farming and water availability.

“The different rainfall patterns could also affect water supplies and food production across the country,” Chimwaza said.

He has therefore urged farmers in areas expected to receive less rainfall to consider the forecast when planning their farming activities.

The forecast has been released by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services following the 33rd Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-33), held in Namibia from August 25 to 28, 2026.

It covers the October to December 2026 and January to March 2027 periods of the rainy season.

The Department has, however, cautioned that the regional forecast does not provide detailed predictions for every district in Malawi.

It has advised the public and stakeholders to use the regional outlook together with regular weather updates and district-level forecasts as the rainy season approaches.