The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMeT) has issued an urgent warning, urging Ghanaians to brace themselves for a heightened risk of flooding as the peak of the Ghana rainy season approaches. The agency is calling on citizens across the country to stay informed and take necessary precautions, given the potential for heavy rainfall and its associated dangers. Recent torrential rains have already offered a stark preview, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness. The looming threat of increased flooding risk demands immediate attention and proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

According to Joseph Tetteh Portuphy, Deputy Director of Forecasting at GMeT, speaking on the AM Show, Ghanaians should be prepared for the worst. The agency is monitoring weather patterns closely to provide timely updates and guidance.

Understanding the Impending Heavy Rainfall

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET) has issued a stark warning: Ghanaians must prepare for more heavy rainfall. This alert comes with an increased risk of flooding across the country, prompting the agency to urge citizens to stay vigilant as the nation approaches the peak of the Ghana rainy season.

Joseph Tetteh Portuphy explained the causes behind the recent intense rainfall on the AM Show. He pointed to high moisture levels originating from the Guinea Coast and significant convective activity around Ghana. Furthermore, a storm system moving from the south of Lagos contributed to the deluge. “Within the week, we were monitoring it, and it was like there was a lot of moisture in the system from the Guinea Coast,” Portuphy stated, highlighting the complex interplay of atmospheric factors.

The expected intensity of the rains is a direct consequence of these atmospheric conditions. High levels of moisture combined with the convective nature of the weather patterns create a conducive environment for heavy downpours and potential flooding. As Portuphy noted, “We were expecting the rains to be this strong because when you look at the moisture level and the convective nature of it…” This forecast underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for proactive measures.

Areas Likely to be Affected by Rainfall

The GMeT has provided specific rainfall predictions for various regions of Ghana. Along the coast, Axim is expected to experience some rain. In the middle belt, areas including Ho, Kete Krachi, Oda, Kumasi, and Techiman, along with their surrounding environs, are likely to receive heavy rain later in the day, around 2 pm. In the northern parts of the country, Bawku may see some showers. Forest, hilly, and mountainous areas are also anticipated to experience rainfall. “For today, along the coast, because a lot of energy has been taken out of the system, we are not expecting much,” explained Portuphy, detailing the varying intensity across different regions.

Looking ahead, Accra is expected to experience rain by Wednesday and Thursday. The GMeT cautions the public to remain prepared for more heavy downpours in the coming days. These forecasts highlight the widespread nature of the anticipated rainfall and the need for residents throughout Ghana to stay informed and take appropriate precautions.

Important Safety Precautions and the Peak of the Rainy Season

June marks the peak of the Ghana rainy season, a period when land saturation increases the risk of flooding significantly, even with only slight rainfall. As Portuphy emphasized, “Currently, we are getting into the peak of our rainy season, so people should be careful, especially when we get into June…” This saturation means that the ground is less able to absorb additional water, making it easier for flash floods to occur. Therefore, residents need to be especially vigilant during this time.

In light of the impending heavy rains, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Staying informed about the latest weather updates from GMeT is paramount. If possible, avoid travel during heavy downpours and exercise extreme caution in flood-prone areas. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries during the peak of the rainy season.

In summary, the Ghana Meteorological Agency’s warnings regarding the peak of the Ghana rainy season should be taken seriously. Staying informed, taking necessary precautions, and sharing this information with your community can help everyone stay safe during this period of increased flooding risk. Be sure to monitor weather updates from GMeT regularly.