FEWS NET FAMINE EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS NETWORK GLOBAL Weather Hazards Summary May 13 - 19, 2016 Elevated risks of flooding in Central Asia, Hispaniola, and the Greater Horn of Africa Africa Weather Hazards Flooding Abnormal Dryness Drought Severe Drought Tropical Cyclone Potential Locust Outbreak Heavy Snow Abnormal Cold Abnormal Heat Seasonally Dry 3 1. Poorly-distributed rainfall since October 2015 has resulted in large moisture deficits, leading to wilted crops, livestock deaths, and reduced water availability over many areas of Southern Africa. With the season coming to an end, recovery is unlikely. 4 5 2 2. Low and infrequent rainfall since late March has led to locally moderate to large moisture deficits across parts of southeastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania. 3. Irregular and poor rainfall over the past four weeks has led to increasing rainfall deficits over Liberia, portions of eastern Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and western Ghana. Limited rain is forecast during the next week, likely maintaining moisture deficits. 1 1 4. Significantly heavy precipitation over eastern Ethiopia and Somalia during the last two weeks has elevated rivers levels along the Jubba and Shabelle River Basins and has triggered flooding and damages to infrastructure over many regions in eastern Ethiopia. Enhanced precipitation is forecast along the Somalia coastline during mid-May. Source: FEWS NET/NOAA 5. Torrential, heavy rainfall since late April has triggered floods, damages to infrastructure, displaced populations, and fatalities throughout many regions of Kenya. Enhanced rainfall is forecast to continue this week, sustaining the risk of flooding and other adverse ground impacts. FEWS NET is a USAID-funded activity. The content of this report does not necessarily reflect the view of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.The FEWS NET weather hazards process and products include participation by FEWS NET field and home offices, NOAA-CPC, USGS, USDA, NASA, and a number of other national and regional organizations in the countries concerned. Questions or comments about this product may be directed to Wassila.Thiaw@noaa.gov, fewsnetinfo@fews.net, or 1-301-683-3424. Valid: May 1 – May 7, 2016 ing late April and early May, much enhanced seasonal avy rains continue Greater Horn. Horn of Africa, Satellite-Estimated Total Rainfall (mm) cipitation prevailedthroughout throughout the Greater Valid: May 1 – MayMay 7, 2016 Weatherflood Hazards Summary 13-19, 2016 ging copious, inducing rains across many parts of ring late April and early May, much enhanced seasonal nya, Ethiopia and Somalia. According to satellite rainfall vy rains continue throughout Satellite-Estimated Total Rainfall (mm) ecipitation prevailed throughout the Horn. Greater Horn of Africa, Africa Overview mates, the highest weeklyGreater rainfall accumulations were Valid: May 1 – May 7, 2016 nging copious, flood inducing rains across many parts of eived over northern Ethiopia and northern Somalia Figure 1: Satellite-Estimated Total Rainfall (mm) Heavy rains continue throughout Greater Horn ng late April and early May, much enhanced seasonal nya, Ethiopia and distributed Somalia. According to satellite 50mm), with well moderate and locally rainfall heavy Valid: May 1-7, 2016 cipitation prevailed throughout the Greater Horn of Africa, imates, the highest weekly rainfall accumulations were ounts also received throughout South Sudan, southern During late April and early May, seasonal precipitation increased throughout ging flood inducing rainsand across many parts of eivedcopious, over northern Ethiopia northern Somalia iopia, Uganda, Kenya and southern Somalia (Figure 1). the Greater Horn of Africa, bringing copious, flood-inducing rains across many ya, Ethiopia and Somalia. According to satellite rainfall 150mm), with well distributed moderate and locally heavy ekly rainfall to remain low and sporadic across partscontinued of Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. According to satellite rainfall estimates, mates, the highest weekly rainfall accumulations wereEthiopia and ounts also received throughout South Sudan, southern theastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania. the highest weekly rainfall accumulations were over northern eived northern Ethiopia and northern(Figure Somalia hiopia, over Uganda, Kenya and southern Somalia 1). northern Somalia (>150mm), with well-distributed moderate and locally 50mm), with well distributed moderate and locally heavy eekly rainfall continued to remain low and sporadic across heavy amounts throughout Sudan, southern Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya owing two consecutive weeksSouth of heavy, above-average ounts alsoand received throughout Sudan, southern utheastern Kenya andaffected northeastern Tanzania. southern Somalia (Figure 1).South Weekly rainfall to remain low and fall, several regions by poor rainfall andcontinued anomalous opia, Uganda, Kenya and southern Somalia (Figure 1). sporadic across southeastern and northeastern Tanzania. ness earlier in the season haveKenya experienced a favorable ekly rainfall to remain low and sporadic across lowing two continued consecutive weeks of heavy, above-average overy. However, this mid-season recovery has not been as Following two consecutive weeks of heavy, above-average rainfall, several heastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania. Figure 1: NOAA/CPC nfall, several regions affected by poor rainfall and anomalous nounced over parts southeastern Kenya and northeastern regions affected by poorhave rainfall experienced and anomalous dryness earlier in the ness earlier in the season a favorable nzania, where seasonal moisture deficits have been season have experienced a favorable recovery. However, thisas mid-season overy. two However, this mid-season has not been GFS Total Precipitation Forecast (mm) owing consecutive weeks ofrecovery heavy, above-average tained which may negatively impact ground conditions. recovery has not been as pronounced over parts of southeastern Kenya and Figure 1: NOAA/CPC Valid: May 11 - May 18, 2016 onounced over partswet southeastern Kenya and fall, several regions affected by poor rainfall andnortheastern anomalous adversely affected reover, the current pattern has also northeastern Tanzania, where seasonal moisture deficits have been sustained nzania, where seasonal moisture deficits ahave been ness earlier the season have experienced favorable ny areas in in Kenya, Ethiopia localized and may negatively impact and groundSomalia conditions.with Moreover, the current wet GFS Total Precipitation Forecast (mm) stained which may negatively impact ground conditions. overy. However, this mid-season recovery has not been as Source: NOAA/CPC ding, damages to infrastructure, displaced populations and pattern has also adversely affected many areas in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia Valid: May 11 - May 18, 2016 Figure 1: NOAA/CPC adversely affected reover,Additional the current wet pattern has also few nounced over parts southeastern Kenya and northeastern Figure 2: GFS Total Precipitation Forecast (mm) alities. rainfall in over the next weeks is likely with localized flooding, damages to infrastructure, displaced populations and ny areas in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia with localized Valid: May 11 - 18, 2016 zania, where seasonal moisture deficits have been sustain the risk of flooding before the end of the season, as fatalities. Additional rainfall over the next few weeks is likely to sustain the GFS Total Precipitation Forecast (mm) oding, to infrastructure, displaced populations andShabelle River ained which negatively impact ground conditions. Jubbadamages and Riverthe basins reported elevated risk Shabelle of may flooding before end of have the season, as the Jubba and Valid: May 11 - May 18, 2016 alities. rainfall in elevated overhas the next few is likely adversely affected eover, the current wet pattern also have reported levels both up weeks and downstream. els bothAdditional upbasins and downstream. sustain of flooding before end of the as ny areastheinrisk Kenya, Ethiopia andthe Somalia withseason, localized Jubba and Shabelle River basins have reported elevated ding, damages to infrastructure, displaced populations and During the upcoming little relief the wetto pattern expected; as ing the upcoming outlookweek, period, littleto relief the is wet els both up and downstream. weather models suggest a high potential for heavy rainfall along ities. Additional rainfall in over the next few weeks is likely ern is expected; as weather models suggest a high the Somalia coastline (Figure 2). Flood-affected portions of southwestern ustain theheavy risk ofrainfall flooding before end of the season, asKenya are also ential for along the the Somalia coastline (Figure forecast to receive heavy rainfall have the next week. Portions ofwet central and ring the upcoming outlook period, little relief to the Jubba and Shabelle River basins reported elevated Flood affected portions of southwestern Kenya are also western Ethiopia are may also experience locally heavyarainfall. tern is expected; as weather models suggest high ls both up and downstream. ecast to receive heavy rainfall the next week as well. ential for heavy along the Somalia coastline (Figure tions of Anomalous centralrainfall and western Ethiopia are may also early season dryness expands throughout Gulf of Guinea region Flood affected portions of southwestern Kenya are also ng the upcoming outlook period, little relief to the wet erience locally heavy rainfall as well. ecastis toexpected; receive heavyweather rainfall the nextsuggest week as well. ern a high Following an as anomalously wetmodels March, low and poorly-distributed rtions of central and western Ethiopia are may also rainfall ential for heavy rainfallacross along theGulf Somalia (Figure has continued many of Guineacoastline countries, leading to increased Figure 2: NOAA/CPC perience locally heavy rainfall as well. Flood affected ofthe southwestern Kenya are toalso moisture portions deficits since beginning of April. According satellite rainfall cast to early receive heavy rainfallexpands the next week the asGulf well. omalous season dryness of deteriorationSatellite-Estimated Total Rainfall Anomaly (mm) estimates and the seasonal evolution ofthroughout anomalies, sharpest Source: NOAA/CPC nea ionsregion. of ofcentral and western Ethiopia are may also Figure 2: NOAA/CPC moisture conditions has occurred over the southern portions of Ghana, Valid: April 8– May 7, 2016 Figure 3: Satellite-Estimated Total Rainfall Anomaly (mm) erience locally heavy rainfall asdeficits well. have strengthened in excess of 50mm Togo, and Benin as rainfall omalous early season dryness expands throughout Gulf of late March, Satellite-Estimated Valid: April 8 - May 7, 2016 (Figure 3). Here, rainfall has been low and poorlyand distributed since owing an anomalously wet March, low poorly Total Rainfall Anomaly (mm) inea region. which ishas likelycontinued to negativelyacross impact early season activities in the Valid: April 8– May 7, 2016 ributed rainfall many Gulfcropping of Guinea Figure 2: NOAA/CPC region. Model forecast suggest the continuation averagethe to below-average ntries leading to increased moisture deficits ofsince lowing an anomalously wet March, lowestimates and Gulf poorly precipitation over theto southern Gulfrainfall ofthroughout Guinea region. malous season dryness expands of inning ofearly April. According satellite and Satellite-Estimated Total Rainfall Anomaly (mm) tributed rainfall has continued across many Gulf of Guinea nea region. seasonal evolution of anomalies, the sharpest deterioration Valid: April 8– May 7, 2016 untries leading to has increased moisture the moisture conditions occurred over thedeficits southernsince portions ginning of April. According to satellite rainfall estimates and owing Togo, an anomalously wet March, lowstrengthened and poorly Ghana, Benin as rainfall deficits have in seasonal evolution of anomalies, the sharpest deterioration ibuted rainfall (Figure has continued across many of low Guinea ess of 50mm 3). Here, rainfall hasGulf been and moisture conditions has over the southern portions ntries leading to increased moisture the rly distributed since late occurred March, which is deficits likely to since negatively Ghana, Togo, Benin as rainfall deficits have strengthened in nning of April. According satellite in rainfall estimates and act early season croppingtoactivities the region. Model cess of 50mm (Figure 3). Here, rainfall has been low and seasonal evolution of anomalies, the sharpest deterioration ecast suggest the continuation of average to below-average orly distributed since late March, which is likely to negatively moisture has occurred the southern cipitationconditions over the southern Gulf ofover Guinea region. portions pact early season activities thestrengthened region. Model Ghana, Togo, Benincropping as rainfall deficits in have in ecast suggest the continuation of average to below-average ess of 50mm (Figure 3). Here, rainfall has been low and ecipitation oversince the southern Gulf which of Guinea region. rly distributed late March, is likely to negatively Source: NOAA/CPC act early season cropping activities in the region. Model Figure 3: NOAA/CPC cast suggest the continuation of average to below-average Famine Early Warning Systems Network 2 (up to cipitation over the southern of1 Guinea region. ote: The hazards outlook map onGulf page is based on current weather/climate information and short and medium range weather forecasts Figurepolygons 3: NOAA/CPC eek). It assesses their potential impact on crop and pasture conditions. Shaded are added in areas where anomalous conditions hav en observed. The boundaries of these polygons are only approximate at this continental scale. This product does not reflect long rang asonal forecasts indicate current or projected food weather/climate security conditions. ote: Theclimate hazards outlook or map on page 1 is based on current information and short and medium range weather forecasts (up to Weather Hazards Summary May 13-19, 2016 Central Asia Weather Hazards The risk of flooding due to snow melt and rainfall is expected in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Flooding Abnormal Dryness Drought Severe Drought Tropical Cyclone Potential Locust Outbreak Heavy Snow Abnormal Cold Abnormal Heat Temperatures: Above-normal temperatures (1 to 5 °C) prevailed across Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan during the first week of May, while Kazakhstan experienced seasonal temperatures. The hottest temperatures were observed across western Afghanistan and Turkmenistan where maximum temperatures were in the upper 30s to around 40 °C. Temperatures are expected to average near to above-normal during the next week. Precipitation: During the first week of May, locally heavy rain, more than 25 mm, fell across parts of Afghanistan, southern Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The CPC unified gauge analysis indicates that most areas across Central Asia have experienced near or above-normal precipitation during the past 30 days. Source: FEWS NET/NOAA The risk of localized flooding due to snow melt and rainfall is expected across Afghanistan and Tajikistan during the next week. The GFS model depicts precipitation amounts locally exceeding 25 mm, especially across northeast Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Central America and the Caribbean Weather Hazards 1. Very heavy rainfall has led to flooding in many areas of the Dominican Republic and Haiti during the last 2 weeks. More drenching rainfall is possible over some of the same areas this week, further exasperating flood and mudslide threats on already soaked ground and inundated rivers. No Hazards Posted for Central America Flooding Abnormal Dryness Drought Severe Drought Tropical Cyclone Potential Locust Outbreak Heavy Snow Abnormal Cold Abnormal Heat Source: FEWS NET/NOAA Famine Early Warning Systems Network 3 ell-distributed,rain raintotals totalsare areforecast forecasttotobebebelow-normal below-normalfor formost mostareas areas next week. ll-distributed, next week. aslighter lighter lastweek week many areascompared comparedtotothe theprevious previousweek. week.The Theheaviest heaviestrains rains(>100mm) (>100mm)were were found in westernP last forformany areas found in western, Weather Hazards Summary May 13-19, 2016 Nicaragua,where whereflooding floodinghas hasbeen beenreported reportedininand andaround aroundManagua. Managua.More Moremoderate moderaterains rainsstretched stretchednorthward northwardononalon alo Nicaragua, ugh El Salvador and southern Guatemala. Similar amounts of around 25mm were observed along the Honduras-Nicara gh El Salvador southern Guatemala. amounts of around 25mm were observed along the Honduras-Nicarag Central and America and the CaribbeanSimilar Overview where acrossthe theregion, region,less lessthan than25mm 25mmofofrain rainwas wasobserved observedwith withamounts amountscloser closertotozero zeroin inthe thePetén Petén Province Guat here across Province of of Guatem Well-distributed rain totals are forecast to be below-normal for most areas next week thisseason seasonhas hasnot notstrayed strayedtoo toofarfarfrom fromthe theaverage averageininmost mostareas. areas.30-day 30-dayrainfall rainfallsurpluses surplusesare aremost mostapparent appare ecesosofarfarthis Compared to the previous week, rainfall was lighter last week in many areas. The heaviest rains (>100mm) were inSatellite western Pacificwestern Nicaragua while 30-day deficits are mostapparent apparent (-50mm more) central Guatemala. Satellite estimatedvege ve stern Nicaragua while 30-day deficits are most (-50mm orormore) inincentral Guatemala. estimated facing regions of Nicaragua, and flooding has been reported in and around Managua. More moderate rains stretched northward show some of the regions poorest values collocated with moisture deficits in Guatemala. It is still early, but this region be how some of the regions poorest values collocated with moisture deficits in Guatemala. It is still early, but this region bea along the Pacific coast through El Salvador and southern Guatemala. Similar amounts of around 25mm were also observed along the ward. Otherwise,conditions conditionslook lookfavorable favorabletotoneutral neutralwith withthe theexception exceptionofofa a fewlocalized localized pockets less favorable condit ard. Otherwise, few pockets ofof less favorable conditio Honduras-Nicaragua border. Elsewhere across the region, less than 25mm of rain was observed, with amounts closer to zero in the onduras and easternNicaragua. Nicaragua. duras and eastern Petén Province of Guatemala. Rainfall performance in most areas this season has not strayed too far from the average. Thirty-day rainfall surpluses are most apparent (+100mm or more) in western Nicaragua, while 30-day deficits are most apparent (-50mm or comingoutlook outlook period,precipitation precipitationmodels modelssuggest suggestthat thatrainfall rainfallwill will generally suppressed below normal across the regi oming period, bebe generally suppressed below normal across the region more) in central Guatemala. Satellite-estimated vegetation health indices show some of the region’s poorest conditions collocated als arelikely likely tobebefound found southernGuatemala Guatemala andininElEl Salvador where they could exceed 25mm. Broadly, around 25mm s are ininsouthern Salvador where they could exceed 25mm. Broadly, around withtomoisture deficits in Guatemala. Otherwise,and conditions look favorable to neutral with the exception of a few localized pockets of 25mm o pected throughout the rest of the region cted throughout the rest of the region less favorable conditions in parts of eastern Honduras and eastern Nicaragua. For the upcoming week, precipitation models suggest that rainfall will be generally below normal across the region. The largest rainfall totals are likely to be found in southern Guatemala and in El Salvador, where they could exceed 25mm. Broadly, around Week Rainfall Total andAnomaly Anomaly Forecast (mm) Week 1 1Rainfall Total and Forecast (mm) 25mm or less of rain can be expected throughout the rest of the region. May May 18,2016 2016 May 1212– –May 18, Figure 5: Seven-Day Rainfall Anomaly Forecast (mm) Figure 4: Seven-Day Total Rainfall Forecast (mm) Valid: May 12 - 18, 2016 Valid: May 12 - 18, 2016 Figure Figure1:1:Source SourceNOAA NOAA/ CPC / CPC Source: NOAA/CPC Source: NOAA/CPC Heavy, flooding rains continued to cause widespread problems across Hispaniola during the last week During the last week, rainfall was once again above average across many parts of the island. Heavy drenching rains fell over many areas, with totals exceeding 200mm in several parts of eastern Dominican Republic and southern/northeastern Haiti, according to TRMM estimates. Observations of 150mm or more were prevalent over a wider area. Flooding issues have been reported in the ments about thisthis product may bebe directed to to Wassila.Thiaw@noaa.gov or or 1-301-683-3424. mments about may Wassila.Thiaw@noaa.gov 1-301-683-3424. Santoproduct Domingo, DRdirected region and in many provinces of Haiti, and swollen rivers are likely an issue for many other parts of the island. The increase in rainfall has pushed its way into northern Haiti, significantly reducing moisture deficits that still remained. Large 30-day rainfall surpluses are present across much of Dominican Republic and southern Haiti. Remotely-sensed vegetation indices depict generally favorable conditions across many areas of Hispaniola. Some poor conditions continue to be observed over parts of the Centre, Artibonite, and Nord-Est departments of Haiti, but improvement is expected in the near future. For the upcoming week, precipitation models suggest widespread rainfall across Hispaniola. Locally, over 200mm of rain is possible over some already water-logged areas of central Dominican Republic and Haiti. As such, the potential remains for additional flash flooding, inundated rivers, and mudslides. ABOUT WEATHER HAZARDS Hazard maps are based on current weather/climate information, short and medium range weather forecasts (up to 1 week) and their potential impact on crop and pasture conditions. Shaded polygons are added in areas where anomalous conditions have been observed. The boundaries of these polygons are only approximate at this continental scale. This product does not reflect long range seasonal climate forecasts or indicate current or projected food security conditions. Famine Early Warning Systems Network 4