TMA debunks viral claim of ‘27-hour aphelion cold wave’ in Tanzania

BY DIRAMAKINI

THE Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has dismissed viral social media messages claiming that Tanzania will experience “unusually severe cold weather” due to an “Aphelion event” starting tomorrow.

In a public notice issued on August 9, 2026, TMA described the circulating information as “misleading and incorrect.”

The message circulating online alleged that: “starting tomorrow at 5:00 a.m., for a period of 27 hours, an Aphelion event will occur accompanied by unusually severe cold weather which may cause flu, coughing, breathing difficulties, and other related conditions.”

TMA’s Clarification

TMA explained that an Aphelion event is a normal astronomical occurrence when the Earth is farthest from the Sun in its orbit. This happens every year.

“However, its contribution to variations in cold weather between seasons is very insignificant in our region since Tanzania is located close to the Equator,”TMA stated.

TMA said the current cold conditions are part of the normal Kipupwe season, which runs from June to August each year and is characterized by cooler temperatures and strong winds in many parts of the country.

According to TMA’s seasonal outlook issued on May 25, 2026, normal to warmer than normal conditions are expected over Lake Victoria Basin, Western Zone, Southern Zone, Southwestern Highlands, and Singida Region.

Warmer than normal to normal conditions are expected over Northern Coastal areas, Northeastern Highlands, Southern Coastal areas, and Dodoma Region.