Arusha. Climate scientists from around the world are expected to meet in Arusha to assess El Niño-related rainfall patterns and other extreme weather events amid growing concerns over changing climate conditions.
The meeting comes as El Niño conditions strengthen, with experts forecasting average to above-average rainfall in several parts of the world during the current rainy season.
The discussions will take place during the Third Meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I, scheduled for November 2 to 6.
More than 300 scientists from 75 countries are expected to attend. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba is due to officially open the meeting.
Speaking to journalists in Arusha on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) Director-General Ladislaus Changa said the meeting had been organised by the IPCC, its Working Group I Bureau and TMA.
Mr Changa, who is also an IPCC vice-chair, said the meeting would allow leading scientists to review evidence on climate change, including rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events.
He said the discussions would contribute to the preparation of the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report (AR7), which is expected to provide scientific evidence to help governments develop climate policies and strategies.
‘The work involves assessing how climate systems are changing, the extent of global temperature increases and whether extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, droughts and strong winds, are becoming more frequent and intense,’ he said.
Mr Changa said the process was part of the IPCC’s broader mandate to provide governments with scientific information on climate change and its implications for various economic and social sectors.
‘For Tanzania, as the host country, the meeting will also provide an opportunity for our scientists and their counterparts from other African countries to engage with international experts, exchange knowledge and strengthen their participation in scientific research on climate change,’ he said.
Arusha resident Judith Kimaro said residents hoped the meeting would produce findings that would improve the reliability of weather forecasts and help them plan for changing weather conditions.