High Temperatures, Enhanced Rainfall Expected in Eastern Africa

By Gift Briton

Several regions across Eastern Africa, particularly in southern Sudan, western and north-eastern Ethiopia, northern Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti, are likely to experience more rainfall than usual in the coming week.

This is according to the latest weather forecast from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC).

This heightened rainfall outlook signals potential challenges for local communities and underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate flooding and other related risks.

The forecast also indicates moderate rainfall expectations for areas such as northern Somalia, western and north-eastern Ethiopia, south-western Sudan, southwestern Uganda, and parts of central and western Kenya.

However, as some regions prepare for increased rainfall, ICPAC warns of below-average rainfall forecasts for most parts of South Sudan, Uganda, southern Ethiopia, and central to southern Somalia.

In addition to the rainfall predictions, ICPAC’s weather outlook also includes warnings of warmer-than-usual temperatures across the greater Horn of Africa in the next seven days.

High temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius are expected over central to eastern parts of Sudan and north-eastern Ethiopia, raising concerns about heat stress and its potential health implications for local populations.

Specifically, elevated heat stress is anticipated in the Afar region of Ethiopia and neighboring areas of Eritrea, with relatively high temperature levels projected for most parts of Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti.

These extreme temperature forecasts underscore the importance of heat mitigation strategies, particularly for vulnerable populations living in at-risk regions.

Meanwhile, temperatures less than 20 degrees Celsius are expected over parts of northern to southern Ethiopia, central to western Kenya, western Rwanda, and southern parts of Tanzania.

As communities across East Africa brace for the upcoming weather conditions, it is essential for local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and individuals to stay informed and prepared for potential weather-related risks.