By Silyvia Alusa
Warmer than usual temperatures are expected over most parts of Eastern Africa, with the eastern region showing the highest probabilities of above-average temperatures.
This is according to the weather prediction for the August to October season by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC).
Conversely, cooler than normal temperatures are expected over part of eastern Sudan and the adjacent areas of Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The eastern horn of Africa, including western Ethiopia, and parts of north-western South Sudan, are expected to be drier than usual throughout the three months, while wetter than usual conditions are expected to prevail over most parts of the northern sector of the region.
Northern Ethiopia, most parts of South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, and part of western Kenya are likely to experience above-average rainfall during this period.
In August alone, the forecast suggests that a significant portion of Sudan, southeastern and western South Sudan, Uganda, western and coastal Kenya, southwestern to northern Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti will experience wetter than usual conditions.
However, conditions are expected to be drier than usual in a few locations in Eastern and Western Ethiopia, as well as northeastern and central South Sudan.
The rest of the Greater Horn of Africa is anticipated to be generally dry during August.
Although warmer than usual temperatures are expected over most parts of Eastern Africa during August, cooler than normal conditions are likely to be recorded in parts of north-eastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, central Sudan, and north-eastern Uganda.
ICPAC’s projections offer valuable insights for residents, farmers, and policymakers in the region to prepare for the anticipated conditions.
Communities can better navigate the seasonal shifts and mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, water resources, and overall livelihoods in the region by staying informed and proactive in response to weather predictions.