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Investigation of the 2016 March to May extreme rainfall over Rwanda

Author

Listed:
  • Marie Adolatha Umutoni

    (Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
    Rwanda Meteorology Agency)

  • Lovina Peter Japheth

    (Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
    Tanzania Meteorological Authority)

  • Elias Julius Lipiki

    (Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
    Tanzania Meteorological Authority)

  • Laban Lameck Kebacho

    (Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
    University of Dar Es Salaam)

  • Paul Tilwebwa Shelleph Limbu

    (Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
    University of Dar Es Salaam)

  • Exavery Kisesa Makula

    (Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
    University of Dar Es Salaam)

Abstract

This paper investigates the features of extreme rainfalls and associated floods during March to May (MAM) season in 2016 over Rwanda and the atmospheric circulation influencing these rainfalls. All stations over the study area received above the average rainfall during MAM (long rain) season in 2016. Among all the months in this season, the rainiest month was April when most parts of the country received highest amounts of rainfall (≥ 180 mm). The presence of anomalous high pressure over the southwestern Indian Ocean, with the help of intense Mascarene high, advected warm moist air through southeasterly winds toward the study area. During this rainy season, the study area was characterized by convergence (divergence) in the lower (upper) troposphere, implying ascending (descending) motion. The ascending moist air at lower level enhanced convection and hence enhanced rainfall over Rwanda. This is associated with more convective activities over central Indian Ocean, and central to eastern Pacific Ocean due to vertical stretching. Moreover, the heavy rainfall events occurred in 2016 are strongly connected to Indian Ocean Dipole Modoki and El Niño due to observed above normal Sea Surface Temperature anomalies over the central Indian Ocean and central to eastern Pacific Ocean, respectively.

Suggested Citation

  • Marie Adolatha Umutoni & Lovina Peter Japheth & Elias Julius Lipiki & Laban Lameck Kebacho & Paul Tilwebwa Shelleph Limbu & Exavery Kisesa Makula, 2021. "Investigation of the 2016 March to May extreme rainfall over Rwanda," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 108(1), pages 607-618, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:108:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s11069-021-04697-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-021-04697-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Laban Lameck Kebacho, 2021. "Anomalous circulation patterns associated with 2011 heavy rainfall over northern Tanzania," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 109(3), pages 2295-2312, December.
    2. Laban Lameck Kebacho, 2022. "Interannual variations of the monthly rainfall anomalies over Tanzania from March to May and their associated atmospheric circulations anomalies," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 112(1), pages 163-186, May.

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