Accra, March 10, GNA - The Ghana Meteorological Services Department says the major rainy season would begin between March 21 and March 28 in the Forest Areas of Southern Ghana; while that of the Middle Belt and Southern Savannah are expected between April 7 and April 14.

The Northern Savannah would have theirs beginning between May 23 and May 30, a statement issued in Accra on Wednesday and signed by Mr F. P. Mote Director of the Department, said the margin of error was plus or minus 10 days.

The statement said the start of the rains would be characterized by thunderstorms and strong winds and, therefore, appealed to the public to take the necessary precaution to protect life and property during the period.

The statement said the Southern Half of the country would receive average to above average rainfall amounts during the main rainy season while the North would receive average rainfall.

Areas in the Upper East, Upper West, Northern and much of the Brong Ahafo and Northern Half of Volta Region are expected to receive near average rainfall from June to August.

"Generally, rainfall over the entire country is expected to be almost normal to above normal, except over the Northern and Middle Belts where some areas may record just normal or below normal rainfall," the statement said.