Zambia's dry spell to continue till end of January: forecast

LUSAKA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Dry spells that have hit some parts of Zambia will continue until the end of this month, the country's meteorological body said on Monday.

Dry spells have hit some parts of the country, affecting mostly the Copperbelt, Lusaka and Southern provinces, with fears that the dry spells will have an effect of this year's agricultural produce.

Victor Bupe, senior meteorologist the Meteorological Department, said the dry spell was expected to continue until next month but indicated that the affected provinces may experience some rains this week.

While acknowledging that the dry spell was normal, the official, who was speaking during a live interview on state broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, noted that this usually occurred in December, adding that it was unfortunate that the dry spell has shifted from December to January, making it difficult for farmers to replant their crops.

Farmers have however been urged to remain calm as the situation was likely to improve in February.

Farmers in the affected provinces have complained that their crops have started wilting due to the dry spells. Enditem