We observe, we analyse, we predict.

The purpose of Weather forecasting is to predict the future state of the weather at a given location so that users/public can plan their activities accordingly.

Rwanda Meteorology Agency issue forecast of different time scales:

1.  Now casting: A description of current weather from 1 minute to about 2 hours.

2.  Short-range weather forecasting: A description of weather parameters from 3 hours up to 3 days .

3.  Medium-range weather forecasting: Weather Forecast from 3 days to less that 10 days 

4.  Extended-range weather forecasting: Usually averaged and expressed as a departure from climate values for the period of 10 days and up to 30 days. 

5.  Monthly outlook: Description of averaged weather parameters expressed as a departure (deviation, variation, anomaly) from climate values for that month.

6.  Seasonal forecast: Description of averaged weather parameters expressed as a departure from climate values for that 90 day period.

Rainfall Categories observed within 24 hours:

Some Key Words used in Weather Forecast:

Mostly Cloudy: Amount of clouds covering 60% to 100% of the sky 

Partly Cloudy: Amount of clouds covering 30% to 60% of the sky

Few Clouds: Amount of clouds covering 0% to 30% of the sky