The National Weather Service has warned that the risk of a possible drought is more likely to occur in some provinces as the dry season, which started in May, sets in until the month of September.
“The country is well into the dry season which started in late May, and sadly some provinces are at risk of facing drought during this dry season,” says National Weather Services Director Mr Jimmy Gomoga.
The Southern hemisphere winter sets over the country today 14th June, bringing the South Easterly winds to well established itself over the Papuan Region thus bringing Cold air from the south.
The dry season has already established itself in late May and will last until September, and with the Southern Hemisphere winter setting over the country, we will be experiencing cooler nights and hot dry conditions during the day.
“East and West Sepik will be experiencing drier conditions from June to August; Momase will experience dry conditions whilst New Guinea Islands Region and the rest of the country including Papuan Region will be experiencing neutral to wet condition,” said Mr Gomoga.
Mr Gomoga also highlighted that during this dry season some provinces will be at risk of facing drought.
“West Sepik Province, East New Britain Province, Central Province, Madang Province and Enga Province are the five provinces who are at risk of experiencing drought during this dry season.”
Mr Gomoga is urging people in these 5 provinces to start thinking of storing up drinking water and turn to alternate crops for survival this month and next month in case the drought gets worse.
“East New Britain is at a greater risk because they have being experiencing consistence dryness over a period of time and if they are hit by drought then the people will be facing the worst so they need to be prepared”, said Mr Gomoga.
He also urges everyone to be very informed about the weather conditions for this month and next month so you can prepare yourself for the worst.