Rain in dry season | meteo rwanda explains july weather
Meteo Rwanda has explained the recent rain in dry season, a weather pattern that surprised many Rwandans in July 2025. Normally, this time of year is dry and hot, but light rainfall has been reported in various parts of the country.
This unexpected rain is linked to strong winds over the Indian Ocean. These winds increase moisture in the atmosphere, leading to rainfall and cooler temperatures.
Unusual rainfall linked to ocean winds
According to Meteo Rwanda, the recent change in weather is mainly caused by a system of winds that moves around the Earth — especially over the Indian Ocean.
“There is a system of winds that circles the Earth. When these winds stay over the Indian Ocean for up to 30 days, they increase humidity in the air,” said Aimable Gahigi, the Director General of Meteo Rwanda.
“That is why rain has been falling since early July 2025, and also why temperatures are lower than usual.”
In fact, a climate forecast released in late June 2025 had already warned that light rainfall could occur in different regions during July. While not heavy, this rain is still unusual for the season.
For more details, visit Meteo Rwanda’s official website.
Local names given to dry-season rain
Interestingly, this is not the first time Rwanda has experienced rain in dry season. Traditional Rwandan communities have long observed and named these types of rains.
Some of the well-known names include:
- Impungiramirara
- Intsindagirabigega
- Inkangabagisha
These names reflect the cultural and environmental impact of these rains. Gahigi explained that historical records and local measurements show these types of rain events have happened before.
Scientific evidence supports the trend
Experts at Meteo Rwanda say that this dry-season rainfall is not just folklore. It has been confirmed using modern weather instruments and long-term climate data.
Although not common, the rain in dry season is likely increasing due to global climate changes. The shift in weather patterns suggests that East Africa is being affected by broader changes in oceanic and atmospheric conditions.
You can learn more about this from the NASA Earth Observatory’s explanation of the Madden-Julian Oscillation, a wind system that plays a role in tropical weather patterns.
What to expect next
As Rwanda experiences cooler and wetter conditions this July, experts advise the public to stay informed with daily forecasts. Farmers, in particular, should pay attention to soil moisture and rainfall trends when planning their crops.
To keep updated on weather conditions, visit Meteo Rwanda or follow Rwanda Meteorology on X (Twitter).
