Guide - Climate

Climate

ALTHOUGH Northern Rhodesia lies within the tropics and towards the centre of the continent, its elevation relieves it from the extremely high temperatures and humidity usually associated with tropical countries. The lower reaches of the Zambezi, Luangwa and Kafue Rivers lie in deep valleys. Here,

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there is high humidity and the heat is exhausting, but these areas are remote and sparsely populated. The year may be divided conveniently into the rainy season, the winter months and the hot season. The rains fall between November and April and are copious while they last. For the most part they fall in a series of thunderstorms and heavy showers, with only rare periods of continuous rains over several days. Even during the rains a fair amount of sunshine is recorded. Rainfall, concentrated into six months, varies in amount according to area. Livingstone gets only about 20 inches, Lusaka about 32 inches, the Copperbelt about 50 inches, while the northern areas often exceed 50 inches.

During the winter months—May to August—fair, cool weather, with moderate breezes, is the general rule. Night temperatures are low and ground frost occurs occasionally in sheltered valleys. Day temperatures usually are comfortably warm. The hot season is short, the months of October and November being the most trying, with day temperatures rising to an average of about 85 degrees. Towards the end of the hot season night temperatures tend to rise and there is a general oppressive feeling in the air which is only relieved by the advent of the rains.

Most Europeans have gardens which do well all the year round and in which flowers, vegetables and sub-tropical fruits can be grown.

Northern Rhodesia Schoolboys Keep Fit