By Abdullahi Lukman
Isolated thunderstorms are forecast across much of Malawi this week, raising concerns in a country already grappling with severe flooding that has killed 36 people and displaced thousands since the rainy season began.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services issued a forecast warning of partly cloudy conditions with isolated storms across most regions, driven by moist northeasterly air masses. Disaster management officials are on high alert as this season becomes one of the most destructive in recent memory.
Since September 1, over 160,000 people in 29 districts have been affected by stormy rains, strong winds, flash floods, and lightning.
Nkhotakota District has been hardest hit, with more than 10,700 households affected, 11 deaths, 37 injuries, and two missing.
The district currently hosts approximately 9,600 displaced people in 12 emergency camps.
Weekend temperatures will vary across the country’s regions.
The low-lying Shire Valley is expected to reach highs of 32°C (90°F), with localised afternoon showers.
The Southern Highlands, including Blantyre, Zomba, and Mulanje, will experience milder temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F) and partly cloudy skies with isolated showers.
Central areas, including Lilongwe, will see afternoon thunderstorms, while lakeshore communities such as Mangochi, Salima, and Nkhotakota will face scattered storms.
Northern districts, including Mzuzu, will experience partly cloudy conditions with isolated afternoon showers.
Winds will generally blow from the northeast and may be gusty in storm-affected areas.
Flash flood warnings remain in effect for 14 districts, including Nkhotakota, Salima, Mzimba, Kasungu, and Nkhata Bay.
Defense Minister Feston Kaufa reported unprecedented flooding in Nkhotakota, where the Dwangwa River overflowed, reaching 3,200 cubic meters.
Authorities are distributing food and relief supplies, with search and recovery operations ongoing.
Aid organizations, including Wandikweza, are providing emergency support such as maize flour, hygiene kits, and tarpaulins to flood survivors.
The floods exacerbate Malawi’s ongoing food insecurity, addressed under a 209 billion kwacha ($121 million) Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme.
Heavy rains have also damaged infrastructure, washing away roads and bridges, further challenging access to affected communities.
For a country heavily reliant on subsistence agriculture, the combined impacts of flooding and food shortages present long-term challenges that may persist well beyond the rainy season.