The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has issued a weather warning, forecasting that heavy thunderstorms and localized torrential rains will persist over northern and lakeshore areas through at least March 18. According to a March 16 update from the department, the severe weather is being driven by an unstable easterly air mass. The heavy precipitation continues to heighten localized flood risks. The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration maintained a high flood warning for Malawi in its mid-March Africa Hazards Outlook, noting that the country has experienced 30 days of above-average rainfall.
Update: Regional conservation efforts are moving forward as Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi officially launch a $7.12 million Global Environment Facility project to protect the Ruvuma River Basin. According to Global Issues, the regional initiative aims to combat severe deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and shifting climate patterns that are damaging the basin's ecosystems and threatening the livelihoods of local communities.