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SLMet Predicts Record High Temperatures in Bombali and Tonkolili
The Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet) has forecasted extreme temperatures for Bombali and Tonkolili districts during this year’s dry season. This revelation was made by SLMet’s Deputy Director-General, Gabriel Kpaka, during an inter-coordination meeting organized by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
Kpaka explained that SLMet’s analysis compared historical weather data dating back to 1994 with the 2024 dry season outlook. The findings indicate that Bombali recorded the highest temperature in Sierra Leone’s history, a phenomenon attributed to its proximity to the Sahel region.
Discussing the potential impacts, Kpaka warned that the extreme heat could lead to water shortages, affecting irrigation, livestock health, and hydropower generation. Additionally, the risk of wildfires and pest infestations could increase, posing significant environmental and economic challenges.
To mitigate these risks, SLMet recommended urgent action in key areas, including water resource management, agricultural support, fire safety measures in communities, and the implementation of a heat action plan to safeguard human health. The agency also urged stakeholders to prioritize water conservation and public health precautions to minimize the adverse effects of the expected heatwave.
