Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) issued a yellow alert on Sunday for the southern and central regions of the country due to forecast high temperatures, which could reach 43 degrees Celsius on Monday.
According to INAM, the alert remains in force until midnight on Monday and covers districts in the provinces of Maputo, Gaza and Inhambane in the south, and Manica, Sofala and Tete in the centre.
In Maputo province, the alert covers the districts of Boane, Namaacha, Moamba, Magude, Manhiça, Marracuene and Matutuíne, as well as the cities of Maputo and Matola.
In Gaza province, the phenomenon is expected to affect the districts of Chibuto, Guijá, Mapai, Chicualacuala, Mandlakazi, Chókwè, Massingir, Massangena, Mabalane, Chigubo, Limpopo, Bilene and Chongoene, as well as the city of Xai-Xai.
The alert also covers the districts of Mabote, Funhalouro, Panda and Homoíne in Inhambane province.
In Manica province, the districts covered are Machaze, Gondola, Vanduzi, Tambara, Macossa and Guro.
In Sofala province, the alert applies to the districts of Chibabava, Nhamatanda, Gorongosa, Maringué, Marromeu, Muanza, Cheringoma, Chemba and Caia.
In Tete province, INAM forecasts high temperatures in the districts of Changara, Chiúta, Cahora Bassa, Magoé, Moatize, Mutarara, Zumbo and Marávia, as well as in the city of Tete.
According to the institute, the situation is due to the continued movement of hot, humid air over much of the country.
INAM also forecasts strong winds with gusts, thunderstorms and local showers towards the end of Monday, as well as a sharp drop in maximum temperatures on Tuesday, particularly in Maputo and Gaza provinces.
The institute recommends taking precautionary measures in response to the heatwave and says it will update the alert on Monday morning.
Source: Lusa