The Ministry of Natural Resources in collabolation with the Department of Climate change and Meteorological services has launched 5th National Climae Outlook Forum (NACOF-5) in Lilongwe on Wednesday, covering the period from October 2026 to April 2027, with authorities urging communities and farmers to use the information to prepare for anticipated climate conditions. 

The Minister of Natural Resources Patricia Wiskes said the seasonal outlook is not intended to frighten Malawians about the anticipated El Niño conditions, but rather to help them make informed decisions ahead of the agricultural season. 

She said farmers should use the forecast to determine when to plant and which crops may be suitable for the expected weather conditions. The message is to prepare people for what is coming because, oftentimes, Malawi has been hit hardest because climate information reaches communities after a disaster has already happened,” Wiskes said. 

"The government is taking a different approach by ensuring that climate information reaches end users, including farmers and communities at district level, before disasters occur. We also thank United Kingdom for the support towards Malawi’s preparedness and anticipatory action putting 3 million dollars," she said.

British Deputy High Commissioner to Malawi, Ben Nicholson said UK government is working with the Government of Malawi, the UK Met Office and the WISER climate programme to improve weather forecasting and translate climate information into practical action.

Nicholson said communities across the world are increasingly experiencing severe and extreme weather events, making early preparedness crucial.

“We cannot just sleepwalk into a response that has not worked for decades in Malawi. We need to be creative and ensure that forecasts are translated into action,” the deputy commissioner said. 

The UK is supporting Malawi to promote drought-resistant crop varieties, monitor maize availability and market prices, and strengthen disaster preparedness at community level. 

According to the deputy high Commissioner, approximately US$3 million has so far been committed this year towards preparedness and anticipatory action, alongside additional support through multilateral partners and climate programmes. 

The early release of the seasonal forecast will give farmers, communities, government institutions and other stakeholders time to prepare and take measures aimed at reducing the impact of possible climate-related disasters and saving lives.

The launch has invested different stakeholders from the Government, SOS's, officials from Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Non governmental organisation and experts.