By Gift Briton
Warmer than usual temperatures are expected across most parts of the greater Horn of Africa in the next seven days, with dangerous temperature levels expected in northern Sudan and the Red Sea coastal regions of Sudan and Eritrea.
This is according to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC).
ICPAC notes that the expected elevated heat stress in these areas may pose health risks such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Communities in these regions are advised to take caution to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatigue.
The potential for heat exhaustion extends to other areas as well, with temperatures above 32℃ expected over Djibouti, northwestern Somalia, and northeastern Ethiopia.
Communities residing in most parts of South Sudan, southern to central Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, eastern and northern Kenya, western and eastern Tanzania, and southeastern Ethiopia take necessary precautions to avoid prolonged exposure to heat as temperatures in these areas may reach up to 32℃.
In addition to the temperature forecast, ICPAC predicts exceptional rainfall in central to eastern Sudan, eastern South Sudan, northern Ethiopia, and much of Eritrea and Djibouti leading to flooding in flood-prone areas.
Above-average rainfall is also anticipated in northern Uganda, western Kenya, eastern South Sudan, central to eastern Sudan, and north to southwestern Ethiopia, suggesting a shift towards wetter conditions in these regions.
Conversely, less than usual rainfall is expected over parts of the western regions of South Sudan and southwestern Sudan.
As the weather patterns unfold, communities in at-risk areas are advised to take causation during this period to mitigate the impact of extreme temperatures and potential weather-related risks.
