Zambia - Atlas of our Changing Environment

Temperature

Zambia has three seasons: the wet season, which extends from November to April, the cold and dry season from May to July, and the hot season from August to October. The country’s mean temperature ranges from 6°C in the cold and dry season to 35°C in the hot season. Table 2.1 presents mean daily temperatures per season (Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD), 2011). As Figure 2.1 shows, most of the country’s high temperatures are recorded in the valleys, and in the western region, which is mainly sandy due to its proximity to the Kalahari Desert. The high temperatures in Mfuwe are attributed to its proximity to the Luano Valley. Parts of northern Zambia, particularly the Mbala district, experience lower maximum temperatures because they are at high altitudes (ZMD, 2011).

Table 2.1 Mean Daily Maximum and MinimumTemperatures per Season

MeanDaily Maximum°C

MeanDaily Minimum°C

Months

Season

May-July

Cold and Dry

21-26

6-12

August-October

Hot

28-35

17-22

November-April

Wet

25-30

14-19

Adapted, Zambia Meteorological Department, 2011.

TANZANIA

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Mbala

Kawambwa

Isoka

Misanfu

Kasama

Mansa Mansa Agro

MALAWI

Mwinilunga

Mpika

Solwezi

Lundazi

Ndola

Serenje

Mfuwe

Kasempa

Zambezi

Chipata Msekera

Kabompo

Mkushi Agromet

Petauke

Kabwe Agro

Kabwe

Kaoma

Mumbwa

Kalabo

Mongu

Lusaka Int. Airport Lusaka city Mtmakulu

ANGOLA

MOZAMBIQUE

Itezhi - Tezhi

Kafue Polder

Namwala

Senanga

Magoye

Lusitu

Gwembe Boma

Chipepo

Choma

Metereological station Maximum temperature in º C

Kalomo

Sinazeze

Sesheke

25.9 - 27.6 27.6 - 29.3 29.3 - 30.9 30.9 - 32.6

Livingstone

NAMIBIA

ZIMBABWE

BOTSWANA

Figure 2.1 Average maximum temperature 1975 - 2010 Zambia Meteorological Department, 2011

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ZAMBIA - ATLAS OF OUR CHANGING ENVIRONMENT