…as forecasters warn of below-normal rainfall
Makananelo Manamolela
THE Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) has adopted and implemented the National University of Lesotho (NUL) developed mobile application, MetApp, designed to deliver real-time weather information to the public.
Environment and Forestry Minister, Thabo Mofosi, revealed this at the National Climate Outlook Forum held in Maseru this week, organised by the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) in collaboration with LMS.
The LMS Early Warning Systems II project has a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with NUL, signed in 2023 to conduct some of the project activities. MetApp was developed by NUL experts under this MoA.
Mr Mofosi said the app was part of efforts to improve access to weather and climate information as the country prepares for weather conditions expected to be influenced by El Niño.
“This app has been implemented as one of the efforts to improve weather and climate information amid forecasts that are expected to be influenced by El Niño conditions. It will provide hourly weather updates on rainfall, wind, temperatures and humidity in areas where automated weather stations have been installed,” he said.
Mr Mofosi said Lesotho currently has more than 50 automated weather stations located in areas including clinics and airports.
The application, he said, would provide not only routine weather information but also early warnings on anticipated weather conditions, enabling communities and other stakeholders to prepare in advance.
He said the initiative would help modernise LMS services and bring weather information closer to communities through what he described as “last-mile delivery”.
LMS forecaster, Rethabile Mphahama, said the latest seasonal outlook indicated that below-normal rainfall was more likely during the first part of the season, with rainfall conditions expected to improve between January and March 2027.
Temperatures, he said, were likely to remain above normal.
Another seasonal forecaster, Rammolenyane Lethaha, said the distinction between short-term and long-term forecasts was important because preparedness measures depended on the expected duration and severity of weather conditions.
He said the northern parts of Lesotho had experienced below-average rainfall over the past three to four seasons, yet agricultural production in the region had performed better than in some parts of the south, which had received above-normal rainfall.
The same pattern, he said, was expected to continue during the coming season, alongside above-normal temperatures.
Meanwhile, Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) Dam Safety Engineer, Matete Letsoela, said the utility had identified several focus areas to strengthen preparedness and protect water supplies.
“We have reservoir and demand management, as well as water availability, under which we will strengthen water conservation, leakage reduction and conduct regular reservoir water balance,” Mr Letsoela said.
He said WASCO had also started removing silt from Rasebale Dam in Mafeteng as part of efforts to increase and protect water sources.
Mr Letsoela said WASCO had established regular communication with LMS on weather information, describing the initiative as a new development that would help the utility plan more effectively.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s livestock department representative, ‘Makabelo Malibeng, warned that the forecast weather conditions would have significant implications for livestock production.
She said El Niño could result in reduced rainfall, leading to less pasture and crop residues for livestock feed, while higher temperatures could cause heat stress, reduced feed intake and lower animal performance.
Water shortages could also cause dehydration, reduced productivity and increased management costs, she said.
Ms Malibeng warned that poor animal body condition could result in slower growth, reduced fertility and milk production, as well as lower market value.
Drought, she added, could increase livestock mortality and force farmers into distress sales.
“These conditions require us to protect and manage rangelands, avoid overgrazing and use planned grazing. We need to secure water through reliable watering points, storage and efficient distribution,” she said.
She urged farmers to prioritise breeding animals and vulnerable livestock when feed was limited and to use climate information and early warning systems to make decisions before drought conditions intensified.
Ms Malibeng recommended that, before drought sets in, farmers should secure stock feed, repair water points, review vaccination status and identify vulnerable animals.
During drought, she advised farmers to monitor animals’ body condition, prioritise water and feed, reduce stocking pressure and report diseases promptly.
After drought, she said, rangelands should be restored, herds rebuilt gradually, disease records reviewed and feed reserves replenished.
She also called for stronger coordination among farmers, veterinary services, meteorological authorities, local authorities and disaster management institutions.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Health epidemiologist, Malebonyane Mohale, said drought could reduce crop and livestock production, increasing the risk of malnutrition among both children and adults.
He said drought could also worsen existing health conditions and create conditions conducive to disease outbreaks.
“The main priority and focus should be on clean and adequate water. We are already anticipating outbreaks, as some of them are caused by consuming dead animals which die from the effects of these weather conditions,” Mr Mohale said.
He stressed that coordination among stakeholders, together with public awareness and sensitisation, would be critical to preparing communities for the anticipated weather conditions.
