As December is unfolding, the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued a cautionary note to all Ghanaians, over the arrival of the harmattan season along with its risks.
In light of potential threats posed by this weather phenomenon, the agency extended a warning to heighten awareness among the public.
Delving deeper into the complexities of harmattan and highlighting precautionary measures, head of Central Analysis and Forecasting Office from the Ghana Meteorological Agency, Madam Felicity Ahafianyo explained what Ghanaians are to expect during the season, with emphasis on the severity of the weather during December and its duration.
‘‘The harmattan for the entire West Africa sub region starts from December into April but then the severity or for us to be able to notice it is between December into February. So for this year 2023/2024 dry season we have the harmattan that has engulfed us from November and this week we have it extending over to the middle and coastal strip. We expect the trend between now into the close of the month to remain almost the same. In the mornings we expect temperatures to be on the cool side, the afternoons, we expect it to be warm and hot then in the night we expect the sky to be clear.’’
She also disclosed that another outburst is likely to hit the country after December.
‘‘This is just the first outburst for the entire country, averagely we do have about three outbursts so we are still expecting another outburst probably into January. So, we will have a little bit of relaxation and then we will have another outburst to come and affect us.’’
Despite the severity of the harmattan ahead, she advised Ghanaians on the necessary precautions to take to avoid dangers during this season.
‘‘The environment we find ourselves in will be dried up so from now to the end of February; we will be getting dryer and dryer conditions, relative humidity will also be less than 10% over most areas over the North, less than forty over most areas over the middle and coastal strips. So open fires, and people that use the charcoal, if you use the gas, or the cylinder burner or the oven, if you use electrical gadgets that has to do with power, we need to be extra careful with it, especially those that are using it for roasted plantain, and yam, and frying of yam chips and the rest, at open places we need to be extra careful. Food vendors should try as much as possible to be covering their foods especially if they are doing the outdoor type.”
She also warned against road accidents as she advised motorists to be careful during the season, and called for proper lightning on roads to prevent accidents. Ghanaians are therefore urged to follow the necessary precautions to avoid any casualties during this dry season.
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Story by: Joycelyn Makafui Agbo | univers.ug.edu.gh
