Tanzania's meteorological agency has warned that a "very strong" El Niño is forming over the Indian Ocean, with this year's Vuli rains expected to begin in late September or early October, intensify through November 2026, and persist beyond. According to Daily News, TMA Director General Dr Ladislaus Chang'a issued the warning as concerns grow that extreme weather could trigger a wave of non-performing loans, prompting calls for Tanzanian banks to prepare for climate-related financial risks.

The Tanzanian government has announced its preparedness to address potential impacts of the El Niño phenomenon following a warning from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA). During a stakeholder meeting on disaster management held on June 24, 2026, Colonel Selestine Masalamado from the Prime Minister's Office stated that a National Emergency Plan draft has been prepared to enhance readiness and response measures.

Tanzanian Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has urged citizens and leaders at all levels to take precautions and prepare early for potential effects of heavy rains linked to El Niño, including flooding. According to Michuzi Blog, he made the appeal on Sunday, September 6, 2026, while addressing residents of Ilongero Constituency in Singida District during a working tour. He also directed that a tender for constructing 11 kilometres of the Igauri–Ilongero road be announced within September.

Wajir County in Kenya has intensified preparations ahead of enhanced rainfall expected during the October-November-December season, with authorities warning of possible flooding, disease outbreaks and disruption to transport and food supplies. According to the Kenya News Agency, National Drought Management Authority County Drought Coordinator Omar Abdi announced the measures after a county steering group meeting, saying stakeholders had coordinated response plans to mitigate the anticipated effects of the heavy rains.

The Board of Directors of Tanzania's National Irrigation Commission has called on residents and farmers in Katavi Region to protect irrigation infrastructure and government-funded projects ahead of expected El Niño rains. According to Daily News, the appeal was made by NIRC Board Chairperson Eng Dr Richard Masika during a visit to the region, urging communities to take precautions to safeguard public investments from potential damage caused by the anticipated heavy rainfall.

Kenya's Meteorological Department (KMD) has advised farmers to use the next three weeks to complete harvesting, drying and storing their crops, and to prepare their fields before the onset of El Niño rains. According to KMD deputy director Paul Oloo, dry conditions will persist across many parts of the country this September, giving farmers an opportunity to harvest mature crops and ready their farms ahead of the rainy season.