TMA issues nationwide rainfall and thunderstorms warning for early January

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has issued a nationwide weather warning for rainfall and thunderstorms expected across the country from 1 to 10 January 2026. The advisory highlights that parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, including Kagera, Geita, Shinyanga, Mwanza, Simiyu and Mara, are forecast to experience rain with thunderstorms in several areas, posing risks of temporary flooding and localized disruptions. In the northeastern highlands regions of Arusha, Manyara and Kilimanjaro, lighter rainfall is expected, while northern coastal regions such as Tanga, northern Morogoro and Dar es Salaam, including Unguja and Pemba islands, will receive intermittent rain. Western regions like Kigoma, Katavi and Tabora are also forecast to see thunderstorms, and central parts including Dodoma and Singida may get rain accompanied by thunderstorms, particularly in the first few days of January. Residents and farmers have been urged to monitor forecasts closely, adjust agricultural plans, and take necessary precautions to reduce risks to property, crops and livestock.