Rains continue to recover across the Sahel of West Africa, while rainfall deficits develop along the Gulf of Guinea.
Seasonal rainfall deficits grow and expand into eastern/central Sudan.
1) During much of May and the beginning of June, intermittent and insufficient rains had increased rainfall deficits over parts of northeastern Nigeria, resulting in poor NDVI values and delayed planting. However, recent moderate to heavy rains have decreased seasonal rainfall deficits and expected rains should be enough to satisfy cropping requirements.
2) A migratory locust outbreak in October-November was accelerated with the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Haruna in February, which provided favorable conditions for locust breeding throughout western Madagascar. This large-scale outbreak should subside with cooler weather in July-August.
3) A poor start of season across northwest Ethiopia, southern Eritrea and bordering areas in Sudan has begun to negatively impact cropping activities, including delaying planting. For the next week, below-average rains are expected to continue, further increasing seasonal rainfall deficits.
