Meteo Forecasts Early Rains

Accra, (Greater Accra) 17 Feb. '99,

The Meteorological Services Department today said the country will experience early rainfall in February to April which will be "normal to above normal". In a statement issued in Accra yesterday, it said available data suggests early start of the rains. This is indicated in the last December and January rainfall patterns which showed "positive sign with normal to above normal rainfall mostly over the Southern Sector and occasionally some areas in the Northern Sector". The Department said the Western, Central, Eastern, Ashanti and parts of Brong Ahafo Regions will experience normal rainfall during February to March while April is expected to record above normal rains. The rest of the country is expected to have "near normal to normal" rain in February to April. Temperatures are expected to be slightly above normal over the entire country during the period. GRi.../