Mwera winds to generate high and potentially dangerous water waves over Malawi lake bodies

* Avoid sailing on the lakes, especially in small boats, during this period and that fishers should postpone fishing trips until conditions improve

* Secure boats and equipment near the shoreline to prevent damage; swimming and recreational activities on lakes should be suspended

By Duncan Mlanjira

The Department of Climate Change & Meteorological Services (DCCMS) is alerting people along Lake Malawi and other water bodies — especially fishermen — that from Thursday evening, June, a strong southeasterly air mass is expected to generate high and potentially dangerous water waves on lake bodies.

“These waves may capsize small boats, disrupt lake activities such as fishing, sailing and swimming, and could lead to drowning and loss of life,” alerts the weather forecasters.

Thus the lake users are advised to avoid sailing on the lakes, especially in small boats, during this period and that fishers should postpone fishing trips until conditions improve.

They are also asked to secure their boats and equipment near the shoreline to prevent damage; swimming and recreational activities on lakes should be suspended and to to report any emergencies to local authorities or disaster response teams.

“All lake users should stay alert to updates from DCCMS through mainstream media platforms or visiting; https://www.metmalawi.gov.mw/weather-warnings/strong-mwera-winds-on-our-lakes/ — and additional info: https://severeweather.wmo.int/.

The alert on this weather was also shared to the general public to expect windy, cloudy and chilly conditions with patches of fog and rain drizzle due to the Mwera winds blowing over Lake Malawi and other lake water bodies.

“This weather will start to weaken over southern and central areas by Sunday, June 8,” said the DCCMS and in its summary of this week’s weather (June 2-8), the DCCMS indicates that there will be “sunny intervals and cold nights will persist across the country [as] a cool and less moist air mass is expected to blow over Malawi, resulting in mostly dry conditions”.

“However, isolated cases of rain are likely over some northern areas, continuing until Wednesday, June 4.”

In the past week, the DCCMS reports that “generally, most areas experienced sunny intervals and cold conditions, with isolated rain mainly affecting northern parts of the country”.

“Despite the cold weather, many areas across the country recorded warmer than average minimum temperatures for the month of May. However, Bolero in Rumphi experienced a lower than average minimum temperature, with a deviation of -0.8°C.”

Safety advisories from the DCCMS include avoiding fishing, swimming or using small boats and canoes during rough conditions; to wear warm clothing, particularly the elderly and children and not to use a charcoal burner in a poorly ventilated room.

Those with asthmatic conditions (mphumu) need to be extra cautious while motorists are advised to exercise caution during foggy conditions as they reduce visibility.

Meanwhile, weather expert, Prof. Sosten Chiotha observes that in 2024 there were public sentiments that the month of June felt warmer than usual.

He gave an example of his base in Mulunguzi, Zomba that “the minimum temperature for the first 11 days were above 14°C in a way validation claim”. 

“This year the first days feel June like with minimum reading of 12.7°C (June 1) & 13.1°C (June 2) compared to 2024 readings of 15.1°C & 14.5°C respectively.

“For rainfall, May 2025 appears an outlier in the last 3 years with 21mm compared to 2024 (6 mm), 2023 (0 mm), 2022 (0.4 mm).