Thus, crop performance has been satisfactory in some parts of the country. Harvesting has commenced in some areas. Malawi Widespread heavy rains throughout the country affected the crops at maturity stage during the first two dekads of March. More flooding was reported in the Kasungu and Karonga districts. During the third dekad, the southern parts experienced light to moderate rains while the northern parts experienced heavy rains.
Satellite imagery shows above normal rainfall for the month.
In areas where incessant rainfall persisted, the moisture was affecting drying of the maize crops resulting in cob rot thus further impacting on yield. Harvesting of maize and other crops was in progress during the third dekad, particularly over some parts of southern and central regions of Malawi. The rainy season is now coming to an end as the ITCZ retreats northwards. Mozambique Central and northern Mozambique continued to receive heavy rains during the first and second dekads of March compounding the flooding problems as the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams continued discharging. Showers were received in the south and south-central province during these dekads.