precautions that would prevent flooding, as heavy rains are
unavoidable with the onset of the raining season, a meteorologist
advised on Monday.
Speaking to journalists in Accra, Mr Juati Ayi Larri, Principal
Meteorologist at the Meteorological Services Department, Kotoka
International Airport, said the strong winds and lightning and thunder
that accompanied last Sunday's rainfall were the result of too much
energy or heat in the atmosphere.
He said whenever that happened the initial rains were often
accompanied by such turbulence. With time, however, the rains would be
more serene after there was much less heat in the atmosphere. Mr Larri
said more rains were expected not only in Accra but through the middle
belt as well.
He said last Sunday's downpour was experienced all over the
country with several areas recording well over 50 millimeters of
rainfall with a few having over 70 millimeters.
Mr. Larri said it would take many heavy rainfalls in the
catchment areas to bring the level of water in the Akosombo Dam to
normal.
He said if the relative positions of the high and low pressure
systems remained in place the rainy season could last for about three
months.Mr. Larri urged the public to cultivate the habit of harvesting
rainwater.
He also said re-forestation had to be seriously looked at as a
long-term measure of ensuring more rains and thereby ensuring
favourable water levels in the Akosombo Dam.
Mr. Larri said this could be done, especially around the
catchment areas of the Akosombo Dam, adding: "Trees create a micro
climate which easily causes rainfall."
He advised drivers not to take unnecessary chances during the
raining season; saying whenever visibility was poor drivers should
park their vehicles, despite their fog lights and headlights.Mr Larri
urged farmers to take full advantage of the raining season since it
gave great promise for a good harvest.
3 April 07
