Above normal rainfall this year

Zambia would receive 'normal to above normal' rainfall in some areas this rainy season, 'The Post' reported on Monday. Quoting meteorology department director Gabriel Chipeta, the report said, however, that the southwestern parts of Zambia were expected to receive lower rainfall than the rest of the country. Commenting on expected weather patterns, Chipeta said the affected areas in the southwestern region also included the western half of the Western Province and the southern districts of Southern Province. "During October, thunder showers are expected to occur in places, but mostly over the North Western, Luapula and Northern provinces," Chipeta was quoted as saying. "By mid-November, significant rainfall is expected to start affecting most of the country." Chipeta added that during the second half of the rainy season - from January to March next year - the northern parts of the country, including the North-Western, Copperbelt, Luapula, Northern provinces and the northern part of Central Province, would experience above normal rainfall. Zambia was one of the southern African states severely affected by heavy rains late last year and early this year.