Torrential rains impacted parts of far western West Africa during the past week.
While above-average seasonal rains caused flooding in Ethiopia, dryness persisted in Sudan and Eritrea.
1) 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. Seasonal rains to date have been significantly below-average, falling below the 10th percentile. For the next week, above-average rains are expected, providing some relief to dry conditions.
2) Saturated conditions in Sierra Leone and Guinea brought on by several weeks of above-average rains are likely to continue into the next week as above-average rains are expected. Heavy rains falling on wet grounds will likely increase the chance for localized flooding.
3) An erratic distribution of rainfall since the second dekad of June has resulted in growing rainfall deficits across bi-modal areas in Ghana and southern Togo. The lack of rains has resulted in a reduction in maize yields.
4) A robust start to the Kiremt rainy season across much of Ethiopia has led to rainfall surpluses exceeding 150mm and reports of localized flooding in flood prone areas in the Oromia, Amhara, SNNPR and Somali regions. With additional heavy rains forecast for the next week, the risks for flooding are elevated.