Cyclone Bheki developing on Indian Ocean poses no direct threat to Malawi—Meteorological Department

The projected path of Tropical Cyclone Bheki

* The weather models suggest that the cyclone is likely to weaken in the Indian Ocean

* It is currently situated over 2,000km east of Madagascar and is projected to continue its southwestward trajectory toward the Madagascar coast at a speed of 12km/h

Maravi Express

The Department of Climate Change & Meteorological Services assured the general public that the Tropical Cyclone Bheki that developed in the Indian Ocean approximately three days ago, poses no direct threat to Malawi as weather models suggest that the cyclone is likely to weaken in the Indian Ocean.

Issued this evening, the Meteorological Services Department says that currently situated over 2,000km east of Madagascar, the cyclone is projected to continue its southwestward trajectory toward the Madagascar coast at a speed of 12 km/h.

Thus, the weather models “suggest that the cyclone is likely to weaken in the Indian Ocean, posing no direct threat to Malawi”.

Meanwhile, says the statement, “for the next couple of days, a rain belt is expected to be active over Malawi that will trigger locally heavy rain, lightning and potentially damaging winds”.

“The public is strongly advised to seek shelter in sturdy buildings during a thunderstorm until to dissipates,” says the statement while assuring that the Department “will keep a close watch on the trajectory and intensity of the Tropical Cyclone Bheki”.

“Any potential effects on Malawi’s weather will be promptly communicated to the public. The department also urges Malawians to confirm any information related to Cyclone Bheki directly with the them to prevent the spread of misinformation that could lead to confusion and unwarranted panic.”

For further information, the public is encouraged to contact the Director of the Department of Climate Change & Meteorological Services via P.O. Box 1808, Blantyre.

Or use phone: (265) 882 266 579; Fax: (265) -1- 822 215 or email: metdept@metmalawi.gov.mw.

Its website is: www.metmalawi.gov.mw; and Facebook is: Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services; WhatsApp: +265 995 155 050.

Meanwhile, on the summary of weather ahead, the Meteorological Department alerts the public to anticipate gusty winds and cloudy conditions, accompanied by scattered thunderstorms that will be locally heavy mainly over Lakeshore districts and southern parts of the country, including Thyolo, Mulanje.

“This weather is as a result of the rain belt system that will be over Malawi during this week,” says a weather update issued this evening. “Windy conditions may trigger rough conditions over Lake Malawi and Lake Chirwa.”

On weather during the past week, the Department says “many regions faced windy, cloudy, and hot weather, accompanied by localised thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, particularly in the northern and southern parts of the country”.

“Notably, areas like Blantyre, Chikwawa, Dedza, and their surroundings saw significant above normal temperatures, reaching +4.7 degrees Celsius above normal in Ngabu, Chikwawa.

“On November 15, 2024, Namikasi School in Blantyre recorded the highest rainfall of 87.8mm within a 24-hour period.”

Advisories for the coming week are that there will be strong winds over water bodies and all lake users should take the necessary precautionary measures.

When there are thunderstorms within vicinity, the public should stay indoors and avoid open fields, tall trees, and metal objects and that “heavy rains may trigger flash floods, so be alert”.

“Farmers are strongly advised to obtain a copy of the 2024/2025 downscaled seasonal forecast for their districts in order to make informed decisions about their farming activities.”