The north-eastern region of the country is expected to see significant rainfall, high gusts, and lightning, according to the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet).
If all went according to plan, it might cause localized flooding this year between July and September, when rainfall is at its worst.
Additionally, the agency predicted protracted dry spells in the remaining northern section of the country and relatively brief ones in the northernmost edges of the country.
The late dry period, meanwhile, is anticipated to last for a shorter time.
An early dry spell was anticipated to be brief, lasting between seven and nine days for most locations in the northern and transitional parts of the country, while most locations in the Upper West and some few locations in the Upper East Region would experience between 10 and 13 days of dry spells, according to a release from the agency last Wednesday, just before the season started.
Long dry periods lasting between 10 and 18 days were anticipated throughout the majority of the northern and transition zones in the later phases of the season.
A late dry period is defined as the longest consecutive dry day from the 51st day after the start of the season until the conclusion of the season, while an early dry spell is defined as the longest consecutive dry day within the first 50 days following the start of the season.
This was stated in the seasonal forecast for the northern sector provided to the Daily Graphic, with the organization stating that a number of precautions must be taken by the disaster management organizations, municipal and district assemblies, and individuals to mitigate any risk.
Francisca Martey, head of the Ghana Meteorological Agency’s Research and Applied Meteorology Directorate, stated that the disaster management sector, “in the event of risk due to flooding, must integrated monitoring and early warning systems to be established and operationalized.”
Additionally, she suggested that communications between the organizations in charge of disaster risk reduction, flood monitoring, and humanitarian relief be stepped up while the general people, especially those in the vulnerable regions, be made aware of the looming threat.
“The municipal and metropolitan authorities and the National Disaster Agency are advised to put in place the necessary measures to ensure communities and livelihoods are safeguarded,” she said.
The GMet recommended educating and acclimating the people to the probability of bush fires during the protracted dry weather.
In order to give assistance to impacted areas, it further urged all parties to consult with national meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological specialists.
The agency encouraged farmers in such locations to concentrate on drought-tolerant species because places anticipated to face water deficits as a consequence of below-average rainfall to lengthier dry periods might damage the planting and growth of crops and enhance the establishment of crop pests.
In an update on the seasonal prediction for Ghana’s southern region, the Agency said that from June to September, flash floods were expected to happen, especially in low-lying regions like Accra and its surroundings and other places.
“These incidents of heavy rains may lead to some roads becoming impassable when it rains. Road users should be mindful when plying those roads. Drivers should resist and desist from driving through floodwaters,” it said.
In particular during the rainy months of June, July, and August, it asked municipal officials in regions where severe rainfall was anticipated to offer emergency and temporary sites for victims.
The public is also instructed to clear drains prior to the arrival of the rains and to refrain from disposing of solid and liquid trash carelessly. Before leaving home, they should also pay attention to the daily weather prediction and any updates that are made.