Below-average early-season rainfall expected to continue in southern Africa
Africa Weather Hazards
Persistently belowaverage rainfall since August over several bimodal areas of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria has led to strong moisture deficits and a degradation of ground conditions. Increased rainfall since October has resulted in improved ground conditions in the region.
Heavy rainfall over the last several weeks has led to swelling rivers in Somalia and southern Ethiopia. The Shabelle and Jubba Rivers are forecast to be near or above flood stage. Flood risk is high for the middle and lower reaches of the Shabelle and moderate for the lower portions of the Jubba River. Increased rainfall in early November is expected heighten the risk for flooding.
Very low and poorly-distributed rainfall over the past month has led to increasing early-season moisture deficits throughout several states of South Africa.