MAPUTO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The air temperature in Mozambique is increasing particularly in the southern region while rains are becoming scarce in the central and north, said the meteorological authorities in an annual climate report released on Wednesday.

       The report, released by Mozambique's National Institute of Meteorology (INAM), was part of the institute's efforts to improve its prevision of services as extreme climate events tend to increase in number and intensity, said Janfar Abdulai, the Minister of Transport and Communications, while addressing the launch event in Maputo.

       "The report indicates a growing tendency of air temperature in Mozambique, mostly in the southern region. It also concluded that rains had fallen less in the northern and central regions in 2021," said Abdulai, whose ministry oversees the meteorological affairs in the country.

       The General Director of INAM Aderito Aramuge also said at the event that due to climate change his institution will have to adapt and address new challenges, especially with early warning system approaches.

       The report, first of its kind on national climate status, is also expected to benefit the policymakers of other government sectors such as public health, agriculture and economy.