Rwanda is expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall during the last ten days of January 2026, from January 21 to 31, according to a forecast by Rwanda Meteorological Agency.
Rainfall during this period is predicted to range between 7mm and 110mm, which is within the normal average for this time of year. Most areas are expected to have between one and three rainy days.
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The rains are driven by seasonal weather systems affecting the region, combined with local conditions that create active weather, the agency noted.
Daytime temperatures will range between 21°C and 31°C, while night-time temperatures are expected to be between 9°C and 18°C. Winds are forecast to be moderate to strong, reaching speeds of 4 to 12 metres per second across the country.
Areas expecting heavier rainfall
The heaviest rains, between 90mm and 110mm, are expected in parts of Rusizi, Nyamasheke and Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Karongi, Rutsiro, and a small portion of Rubavu.
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Rainfall of 70mm to 90mm is forecast in most of the remaining Western Province, other parts of Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru, Huye, Nyanza, Ruhango, Musanze, and Burera.
Some parts of the City of Kigali and Southern Province are expected to receive 50mm to 70mm. Most remaining areas are likely to receive between 30mm and 50mm, except for parts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza, which are expected to get lighter rainfall of 7mm to 30mm.
Temperature outlook
The highest daytime temperatures, between 29°C and 31°C, are expected in Bugesera, Rwamagana, large parts of the City of Kigali, and districts including Ngoma, Kirehe, Kayonza, Gatsibo and Nyagatare, as well as in the Bugarama plain and Amayaga region.
Cooler daytime temperatures, between 21°C and 23°C, are expected in parts of Nyabihu, Musanze, Ngororero, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Rutsiro, Rubavu and Karongi.
Night-time lows of 9°C to 11°C are expected in parts of Nyabihu, Musanze, Ngororero, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Rutsiro, Rubavu and Karongi. Warmer nights of 15°C to 18°C, are forecast in Kayonza and parts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kirehe.
Wind forecast
Moderate to strong winds, ranging from 4 to 12 metres per second, are expected across the country. Strong winds of 8 to 12 metres per second are likely in Kirehe, Ngoma, Rubavu, some parts of Kayonza, Nyanza Rutsiro, southern Bugesera, Nyabihu Musanze, parts of Gatsibo, Ruhango, Rwamagana, Gisagara, Huye and Ngororero.
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Moderate winds of 4 to 6 metres per second are expected in the southern part of City of Kigali, some parts of Nyamasheke, Karongi and Nyagatare Kamonyi and Muhanga districts. The remaining areas are likely to experience winds between 6 and 8 metres per second.
