🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Early rains reach parts of Zambia as farmers race to protect maize
Light rain has fallen in parts of Lusaka and other areas of Zambia, bringing an early reminder of the approaching 2026–2027 rainy season while some farmers and grain handlers are still managing maize from the current marketing season.
At the time of filing on Saturday, September 5, light showers had been reported in parts of Lusaka. The People’s Brief has also received reports from North-Western Province of rainfall in some areas, forcing farmers and grain handlers to move quickly to cover maize and protect stocks from moisture.
The timing is particularly important because the Food Reserve Agency is still purchasing maize. In areas where grain remains at depots, collection points or awaiting delivery, unexpected rainfall creates an immediate risk of moisture damage if stocks are inadequately covered.
The showers come as attention begins shifting towards the next farming season. Zambia is entering the period when isolated thunderstorms can begin appearing before the main rains become established, meaning the current rainfall should not by itself be taken as the full onset of the rainy season.
The 2026–2027 season is expected to develop under El Niño conditions, which can influence rainfall distribution across Southern Africa. This does not mean Zambia will receive no rain. The concern for farmers is whether rainfall will be sufficiently regular, with the possibility of uneven onset and extended dry spells even where significant storms occur.
For now, the early showers are creating two immediate realities: farmers still handling the previous maize harvest need to protect grain already produced, while those preparing to plant must avoid treating isolated rainfall as confirmation that sustained rains have begun.
The Zambia Meteorological Department’s seasonal and onset updates will become increasingly important as September progresses.
-The People’s Brief | Goran Handya