Old Shinyanga Weather Today

Overview of Old Shinyanga

Old Shinyanga, located in Tanzania, is a town known for its unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. As an integral part of the Shinyanga Region, it carries a history that is deeply intertwined with the indigenous tribes of the area. Its geographical location in the Northern Zone of Tanzania brings with it a distinct climate and weather patterns that shape the lifestyle and activities of its inhabitants.

Climate of Old Shinyanga

The climate in Old Shinyanga is generally characterized as tropical savanna, with a Köppen-Geiger climate classification of 'Aw'. This signifies a tropical wet and dry climate that is prevalent in regions situated near the equator. The defining characteristics of this climate type are high temperatures throughout the year and pronounced dry and wet seasons.

Temperature

Old Shinyanga experiences a year-round warm to hot climate with minimal temperature variations. The average annual temperature is approximately 22.9°C (73.2°F). The warmest month of the year is usually October, with an average temperature of 24.5°C (76.1°F), while the coolest is July, with an average temperature of 21.2°C (70.2°F).

Rainfall

The town receives significant rainfall most of the year, with a short dry season. The average annual rainfall is about 813 mm. The wettest month is December with an average of 139 mm of precipitation, while the driest is July with 4 mm.

Weather Patterns throughout the Year

The following section provides a detailed month-by-month analysis of the weather patterns in Old Shinyanga.

January to March

The beginning of the year is marked by the continuation of the short rains from December, with January receiving an average rainfall of about 92 mm. The rainfall recedes as we move into February and March, signifying the start of the short dry spell. Temperatures during this period range from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F).

April to June

April marks the onset of the long rains, with the town receiving the highest rainfall in the year, approximately 139 mm. The rainy season continues into May and June, with temperatures averaging between 21.5°C (70.7°F) and 22.3°C (72.1°F).

July to September

The dry season sets in from July and continues until September. Rainfall is at its lowest during these months, with July being the driest month. Despite the reduced rainfall, the temperatures remain relatively high, averaging between 21.2°C (70.2°F) and 23.1°C (73.6°F).

October to December

The short rains begin around October and extend through November, leading to a wet December. The temperatures during this period are the highest for the year, peaking at an average of 24.5°C (76.1°F) in October.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the climate and weather in Old Shinyanga, Tanzania, are largely influenced by its geographical location near the equator. The town's tropical savanna climate is characterized by high temperatures year-round and significant rainfall for the majority of the year, with a short dry season. These climatic conditions play a fundamental role in shaping the agricultural practices, wildlife, and overall lifestyle of the region.

References

• Köppen, W., & Geiger, R. (1928). Klimate der Erde. Gotha: Verlag Justus Perthes. Wall-map 150cmx200cm.
• Peel, M. C., Finlayson, B. L., & McMahon, T. A. (2007). Updated world map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 11, 1633-1644.
• Climate-Data.org. (n.d.). Climate: Shinyanga. Retrieved from https://en.climate-data.org/africa/united-republic-of-tanzania/shinyanga/shinyanga-8067/