Mozambique and Surrounding Areas will Experience Persistent Heavy Rainfall

Affected by the movement of a low-pressure system (Figure 1), it is expected that from January 9 to 17, 2026, regions including Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, northeastern South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, with localized heavy downpours or intense rain. The cumulative rainfall during this period is anticipated to be between 50 and 150 millimeters, with some areas receiving 200 to 300 millimeters, and locally exceeding 400 mm (Figure 2). This may be accompanied by severe convective weather such as short-duration intense rainfall and thunderstorms with strong winds. Precautions are advised against potential secondary disasters triggered by the heavy rainfall, including flooding, landslides, mudslides, and urban waterlogging, as well as adverse impacts on power facilities, transportation, and other sectors.

Figure 1 Forecast of 500 hPa Geopotential Height (units: dagpm) and 850 hPa Wind Field at 08:00 (BJT) on January 14, 2026

Figure 2 Accumulated Precipitation from 08:00 on January 9 to 20:00 on January 17, 2026 (BJT) (Unit: mm)

Author: Hu Yi                                 Reviewer: Cai Xiangning 

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                           Issue approver:Dai Kan