Climate Change, Yes! But Why? - Lesolle

BABOKI KAYAWE
Staff Writer | Monday November 1, 2010 00:00

Lesolle said this when questioned whether unavailability of rainfall in late September indicates changing weather patterns which can be attributed to climate change.

Lesolle said that the notion that rainy season begins in September is 'just a popular belief'. Contrary to which she said research has shown that October is a transition month from the dry cold winter months to the hot rainy summer months. She indicated that research shows that rains should come by mid-November.

'Rains will therefore come early or later than this date. The rains that are often refered to in September are not evident in our data sets,' she stressed. 

The research was first documented in 1983 by Bhalotra, an employee in the department, and it has since been corroborated by other scientists in the department.

The absence of rain, expected mid November, has brought very high temperatures, as evidenced by the heat wave recorded about two weeks ago in some parts of the country.

High temperatures were reported across the country, reaching a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius in Shakawe, Maun, Pandamatenga, Sua Pan and Tshane.

Lesolle assured the nation that because the rainfall forecast for the season 2010-2011 is expected to be normal to above normal over most parts of the country, it means cloudy conditions are expected to prevail as the season progresses.

That reduces the incidence of high temperatures due to increased cloud cover.

'However, even during very good rains, there are occasions when the country experiences dry spells between the rains. It is at these times that chances of warm air due to clear skies can lead to hot temperatures,' she said.

When temperatures were high, the Debswana mining company issued a statement urging its employees to follow precautions that would minimise negative impacts to their safety and health.

'As we enter the hot season of the year, temperatures seem to be getting a lot higher than usual, posing an increased risk of heat stress, which negatively impacts both human safety and health,' the statement reads.

It further noted that like any other risk, heat stress must be assessed and managed.

Some of the precautions ensure that one is adequately hydrated by drinking more than the normal two litres of water a day. The public must refrain from continuously working in the sun, taking frequent breaks when doing highly demanding jobs, especially where work is done without an air cooling mechanism such as shade or air-conditioning and calling for more extra care for those with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Though more still needs to be done, Lesolle said her department continues to raise awareness on the issue. She said the meteorological community is charged with understanding the science, taking it to the people and relaying the message to various members of the public.

This far, she said they have sensitised communities across the country including Members of Parliament, Ntlo ya Dikgosi, councillors, students, the business community, NGOs and the community at large.