vf-tropicom Meteorological Analysis for East Africa
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Seasonal Vegetation Index

(Note differences in months due to timing of seasons)

Seasonal vegetative index Seasonal vegetative index

Seasonal Rainfall

(Note differences in months due to timing of seasons)

Seasonal rainfall Seasonal rainfall

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Preliminary Monthly Weather Analysis
Eastern Africa and the Horn

From the African Desk, Climate Prediction Center, NOAA
Note: This information should be used with caution.
Weather data based on preliminary reports.

  • September 2002 - Below normal rainfall prevailed across Sudan and Ethiopia, although locally moderate to heavy rains (78-135 mm; 87-141% of normal) fell over parts of eastern Sudan. Rainfall was also below normal across much of Uganda, where rainfall amounts ranged between 9 and 88 mm (15-57 % of normal). Unseasonable moderate to heavy rains (80-147 mm; 175-349% of normal) soaked coastal Kenya and portions of the northern coast of Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) over northern Somalia, and spotty activity in the central and southern parts of the country. Seasonable dryness prevailed across much of Tanzania. >
  • September 21-30 2002 - Rainfall was quite spotty across the region. Locally light to moderate rains (2-119 mm; 87-135% of normal) fell over parts of eastern Sudan, western Ethiopia, northern and southern Uganda, and southwestern Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated locally moderate rains (25-50 mm) over central Somalia, while dry conditions prevailed over Tanzania. Temperature readings averaged 1 to 2 degrees C above normal across Sudan, northern Kenya, and eastern Uganda. They were near average over Ethiopia, southern Kenya, and western Uganda.
  • September 11-20 2002 - Locally moderate rains (17-64 mm; 91-156% of normal) fell over portions of Sudan and central Ethiopia. However, much of this area continued to experience below normal rainfall. Seasonable dryness prevailed across much of Somalia, except the northern part, where rainfall estimates were 10-75 mm. Light rains fell over northern Kenya, while unseasonable moderate to heavy rains (21-124 mm; 220-863% of normal) fell along coastal Kenya and central coast of Tanzania. Moderate to heavy rains (31-69 mm; 118-185% of normal) fell over eastern Uganda, while lighter rains (4-22 mm; 17-65% of normal) fell over the eastern half of Uganda and over central and southern Kenya. Seasonable dryness prevailed across much of Tanzania. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal over Sudan and Kenya. They were 1 to 3 degrees C below normal across Ethiopia.
  • September 1-10 2002 - Sudan and Ethiopia continued to register below normal rainfall as rainfall amounts ranged between 1 and 46 mm (5-74% of normal). The exceptions were a few locations in central and southern Sudan, where rainfall amounts were 40-57 mm (125-199% of normal). Seasonable dryness prevailed across Somalia, northern Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. However, light to moderate rains fell over portions of southwestern Kenya, and along the coast. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above average over Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and much of Sudan. They were 1 to 2 degrees C below average across Ethiopia.
  • August 2002 - Estimated rainfall totals under 100 mm in parts of western Sudan, especially in Darfur Province and western Kordofan, were below normal, and temperatures up to 3 degrees C above normal aggravated the dryness. Pockets of below-normal rains also persisted in the east. In Ethiopia, needed rains of 100 to 150 mm helped to reduce rainfall deficits in central and northern Ethiopia. Rainfall in Uganda and Kenya was generally near to above normal, while Somalia was seasonably dry.
  • August 21-31 2002 - Ample rains (50-100 mm) covered central, southwestern, and northeastern crop areas of Sudan and western Ethiopia, but many areas in western Sudan and a few locations in eastern Sudan picked up around 25 mm or less. Rainfall in northern and central Ethiopia was also on the light side, as estimated amounts failed to exceed 25 mm in many locations. More rain is needed in much of Ethiopia and in portions of western and eastern Sudan to offset the impacts from a lackluster rainy season to date. Above-normal rains (10-60 mm; 200-500% of normal) fell on parts of central, coastal, and western Kenya, while Somalia stayed seasonably dry. Temperatures averaged 2 to 3 degrees C above normal in Sudan and near normal elsewhere.
  • August 11-20 2002 - Pockets of eastern Sudan and central Ethiopia received relief from persistent dryness as moderate to heavy rains (27-99 mm; 90-141% of normal) doused these areas. Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated that beneficial rains (25-75 mm) fell over northern Ethiopia, while seasonable dryness prevailed over eastern Ethiopia, Somalia, and northern Kenya. Moderate but unseasonable rains (14-62 mm; 106-648% of normal) fell over pockets of northern Uganda, southeastern Uganda, western , central and coastal Kenya, as well as along the Tanzanian coast. Seasonable dryness prevailed across the rest of Tanzania. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above normal across the northern half of Sudan, eastern Uganda, and Kenya. They were 1 to 2 degrees C below normal across Ethiopia.
  • August 1-10 2002 - Rainfall deficits persisted across Sudan and Ethiopia as light to moderate rains (1-50 mm; 2-70% of normal) fell in this area. Further south, moderate but unseasonable rains (27-144 mm; 90-370% of normal) fell over pockets of western Kenya, northern, eastern, and southern Uganda, and along the central coast of Tanzania. Seasonable dryness prevailed across northern and eastern Kenya, Somalia, and much of Tanzania. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal over Sudan and northern Kenya, and 1 to 3 degrees C below normal over central Ethiopia and the southern half of Tanzania.
  • July 2002 - Below normal rainfall was observed across Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, where rainfall amounts ranged between 7 and 198 mm (5-71% of normal). Lighter than normal rains (4-95 mm; 21-57% of normal) were observed over western Kenya and Uganda. Seasonable dryness prevailed across northern and eastern Kenya, and over Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated seasonable dryness across Somalia. Temperatures were near average, except over Sudan, eastern Uganda, and western Kenya, where they were 1 to 2 degrees C above normal.
  • July 21-31 2002 - Moderate to heavy rains (37-176 mm; 82-124% of normal) fell over pockets of northwestern Ethiopia and western Kenya, while rainfall deficits continued to prevail over much of Ethiopia and Sudan. On the other hand, coastal northern Tanzania received unseasonable but moderate rains (12-35 m; 136-26% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates indicated sustained dryness over Eritrea and seasonable dryness in much of the southern areas of the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above average across the region.
  • July 11-20 2002 - Seasonally heavy showers hit parts of Wello Province in north-central Ethiopia, but overall rainfall continued below normal from Eritrea southward into central Ethiopia. Satellite estimates indicated abnormally low rainfall amounts again over parts of southeastern Sudan. Except for some heavy showers in the west, Kenya remained seasonably dry. Southeastern Ethiopia and most of Somalia also remained seasonably dry.
  • July 1-10 2002 - Showers (15-31 mm; 56-152% of normal) along the immediate Kenya and southern Somalia coasts helped to ease dryness. Further inland, scattered showers (up to 28 mm; up to 271% of normal) dampened topsoils across interior Kenya. Precipitation was scarce across the northern two-thirds of Uganda, where only spotty sprinkles (0-3 mm; 0-8% of normal) were observed during the first 10 days of July. Typically, 10 to 40 mm of rain falls across this region during the same period. Relatively dry conditions prevailed across southeastern Sudan, where spotty rainfall ranged from 1 to 10 mm. By contrast, showers and thunderstorms brought 25 to 80 mm of rainfall to southwestern Sudan. Across the highlands of Ethiopia, showers (17-46 mm; 41-64% of normal) were less robust than normal. South of Addis Ababa, rainfall was light and spotty. Conditions were seasonably dry across southeastern Ethiopia and interior Somalia. Across Ethiopia’s Afar Region, conditions were dry as the region eagerly awaits the onset of main season rains, which typically occurs in mid-July. Temperatures across East Africa generally averaged from normal to 2 degrees C above normal. The exception being central Sudan, where the ITCZ was south of normal resulting in temperatures that averaged 3 to 5 degrees C above normal.
  • June 2002 - Rains were sparse along the Kenya and southern Somalia coasts. Rainfall totals, for the most part, were less than 40% of normal. Further inland, seasonably dry conditions prevailed across most of Tanzania, eastern Kenya, southeastern Ethiopia and interior Somalia. Lighter than normal rains (47-176 mm; 37-66% of normal) fell across western Ethiopia. Showers (25-75 mm; 50-100% of normal) fell across northern Uganda. Conditions were mostly dry across southern Uganda. Temperatures for the month averaged near normal across the sub-region.
  • June 21-30 2002 - Lighter-than-normal rains (3-24 mm; 51-73% of normal) fell along the Kenya and southern Somalia coast, increasing dryness. Seasonably dry conditions were observed across much of Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, eastern Kenya, southeastern Ethiopia and interior Somalia. Light to moderate rains (2-49mm; 13-140% of normal) fell across northern Uganda and southwestern Kenya. Showers (6-44 mm; 16-91% of normal) continued over the Ethiopian Highlands. Across Ethiopia’s Afar Region, seasonably dry conditions prevailed as the region eagerly awaits the onset of main season rains, which typically occurs around mid-July. The ITCZ was slightly south of normal across Sudan. As a result, shower activity was spotty across portions of west-central Sudan. Temperatures averaged near normal across much of the sub-region except in Somalia, where temperatures were 1 to 2 degrees C below normal, and across eastern Sudan, where temperatures were 2 to 5 degrees C above normal.
  • June 11-20 2002 - Dry conditions persisted over much of the region. However, satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (25-150 mm) over southern Sudan and western Ethiopia and light rains (0-10 mm) over parts of Somalia. Seasonably light rains of 0 to 7 mm dampened central and northern areas of Ethiopia. Kenya experienced locally moderate rains (28-57 mm; 143-242% of normal) in the west, but below-normal rainfall persisted along the coast. Seasonable dryness prevailed over northern Sudan. Light to moderate rains (1 to 75 mm) fell in northern Uganda. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees celsius below average across Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and northern Sudan and up to 2 degrees C above normal elsewhere.
  • June 1-10 2002 - Dry conditions persisted over much of the region. However, moderate to heavy rains (75-250 mm) fell in western Ethiopia, while below-normal rains of 0 to 25 mm fell over most of central and northern areas. Kenya saw locally heavy rains (up to 151 mm; 180% of normal) over the coast. Seasonable dryness prevailed over northern Sudan, but heavy rains (up to 150 mm) fell over parts of the southwest. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated pockets of light rains (10-25 mm) over northern and southern Somalia, but dry conditions continued in central areas. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C above average across central, southern and northern Sudan, Somalia and coastal Kenya, and near normal elsewhere.
  • May 2002 - Unseasonably dry weather, with rainfall less than 50% of normal, covered southern Ethiopia, most of Somalia, and eastern Kenya, as the rainy season came to an early halt. Rainfall was close to normal in western Kenya, including the main maize growing areas, as well as Uganda and northwest Tanzania. Uganda, southern Sudan, northwestern Tanzania and coastal and northwestern Kenya experienced moderate to heavy rains (59-318 mm; 50-246% of normal). Rainfall diminished rapidly in Uganda, Kenya, and northwestern Tanzania following the first 10 days of the month, indicating an early end to the rainy season. Abnormally dry weather prevailed over eastern Tanzania, where monthly rainfall totaled less than 35% of normal. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated scattered heavy rains (150 mm) over central and southwestern Ethiopia, but below normal rains over northwestern and north-central areas. Moderate to heavy rains (200-400 mm) hit southern Sudan and moderate rains (50-150 mm) fell over Rwanda and northern Burundi. Rainfall was below normal over the northern portions of southern Sudan and in parts of Burundi and Rwanda.
  • May 21-31 2002 - Dry conditions persisted. Little or no rain fell in Somalia, southern and northern Ethiopia, Tanzania, and most of Kenya. Moderate to heavy showers (7-120 mm; 32-429% of normal) fell along the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania, while light to moderate rains (11-60 mm, 13-392%) fell over southern Sudan and western and central of Ethiopia. Satellite estimates indicated isolated totals exceeding 100 mm in southern Sudan. Seasonable dryness prevailed over northern Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated pockets of light rains (10-25 mm) over southern Somalia, but dry conditions continued in central and northern areas. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C above average across central and northern Sudan and 1 to 2 degrees C below average elsewhere.
  • May 11-20 2002 - Dry conditions persisted in the region. The areas most severely affected included most of Ethiopia, northern and eastern Kenya, northern Tanzania, and the vicinity of the Lake Victoria. Rainfall in those areas was in the range between 1 and 22 mm (10-83% of normal). Light to moderate rains (5-47 mm; 15-99% of normal) were also observed over southwestern Kenya and northern Uganda. However, isolated heavy downpours (70-189 mm; 123-218% of normal) soaked local areas in coastal and southern Kenya, and eastern Uganda. Seasonable dryness prevailed over Sudan and over central and southern Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates pockets of moderate rains (10-50 mm) over southern Somalia and dry conditions in the central and northern areas. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above average across central and northern Sudan, and across southern Kenya. They were 1 to 2 degrees C below average elsewhere.
  • May 1-10 2002 - Dry weather (0-10 mm; 0-46% of normal) continued across most of Ethiopia, eastern Kenya, and eastern Tanzania. However, moderate to heavy rains (32-226 mm; 163-289% of normal) soaked central and western Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (25-200 mm) over southern Ethiopia, southern Sudan, and around the Lake Victoria region. Moderate rains (25-150 mm) were estimated across Uganda, while rainfall estimates were lighter across Somalia. Temperatures were 1 to 2 degrees C below average across the region, except over Kenya and central Sudan, where they were about 1 to 3 degrees C above average.
  • April 2002 - Drought-breaking rains fell over Kenya and Somalia. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (100-300 mm) over southern Somalia, although dryness remained to the north. Unusually heavy rains (200-300 mm) also struck northeastern, western and central Kenya, the northeast coast of Tanzania and southeastern Uganda. Moderate to heavy rains (30-150 mm; 29-184% of normal) fell over southern Ethiopia, western and northern Tanzania, and northern and western Uganda. In contrast, drier conditions prevailed over central Tanzania and northern and central Ethiopia. Moderate rains (25-100 mm) fell in Rwanda and Burundi, according to satellite estimates.
  • April 21-30 2002 - Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (100-300 mm) over southwestern Somalia extending into eastern Kenya. Light rains (2-30 mm; 9-67% of normal) fell over southern Ethiopia and northeastern, central and southern Tanzania. Unseasonably dry weather (0-10 mm) prevailed across most of Ethiopia. However, heavy rains (75-211 mm; 200-764% of normal) fell over eastern, central, and western Kenya, pockets along the coast of Tanzania and southeastern Uganda. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) over southern Sudan. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below average across the region, except Sudan, where they averaged 1 to 4 degrees C above average.
  • April 11-20 2002 - Moderate to heavy rains (37-357 mm; 94-326% of normal) soaked northern coast of Tanzania, southwestern and northern Kenya, and the eastern half of Uganda. However, lighter rains (2-33 mm; 12-86% of normal) persisted over central Tanzania, southeastern Kenya, western Uganda, and southern Sudan. Seasonable dryness prevailed across central and northern Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (25-100 mm) across southern Ethiopia and southern Somalia, while drier conditions prevailed to the north. Light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) were estimated over Rwanda and Burundi. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average across the region, except over Sudan, where they were 1 to 4 degrees C above average.
  • April 1-10 2002 - Heavy rains (87-223 mm; 186-298% of normal) soaked coastal Tanzania and the southern coast of Kenya, alleviating the dryness that prevailed during the previous period. Wet conditions (32-63 mm; 88-312% of normal) also persisted over central Ethiopia. Pockets of moderate to heavy rains (19-122 mm; 91-214% of normal) were observed over southern Uganda, in the vicinity of the Lake Victoria, and along the northern coast of Kenya. Elsewhere, light to moderate rains (1-55 mm; 5-86% of normal) fell across most of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, while seasonable dryness prevailed across central and northern Sudan. Long-term dryness persisted over southern Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, and northeastern Kenya, where satellite rainfall estimates indicated light rains (1-25 mm). Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average across Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania, while they were 1 to 4 degrees C above average over Sudan, Kenya, and Djibouti.
  • March 2002 - Moderate to heavy rains (38-100 mm; 79-253% of normal) fell along coastal and northwestern Kenya, southern Sudan, and western Ethiopia. However, drier conditions prevailed across Tanzania, eastern Kenya, and central and western Uganda. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) over southern Somalia and dryness to the north, and over eastern Ethiopia. Heavier rains (50-150 mm) were estimated over Rwanda and Burundi.
  • March 21-31 2002 - Light rains (3-57 mm; 7-72% of normal) were observed along the coast of Tanzania, much of Kenya and Uganda, and central Ethiopia. However, moderate rains (7-84 mm; 104-230% of normal) fell over western Ethiopia, and over pockets along coastal and southern Kenya, northern Uganda, central and southern Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) over southern Somalia, but heavier rains (50-150 mm) were estimated over southern Tanzania. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above average across the eastern part of the region from northeastern Tanzania to northern Somalia. They were 1 to 3 degrees C below average over western Ethiopia, western Kenya, and Uganda.
  • March 11-20 2002 - The rainy season was off to a good start (15-143 mm; 93-412% of normal) across Kenya, southern Uganda, and northern Tanzania. Heavy rains exceeding 100 mm extended along Tanzania’s east coast, while below normal rains fell over central and southern areas. Moderate, but above-normal rains (4-25 mm; 85-159% of normal) fell over central Ethiopia, while seasonable dryness continued to prevail over much of Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated seasonable dryness across Somalia and seasonably heavy rains (100-200 mm) in Rwanda and Burundi. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average across the region, except over Sudan, where they averaged 1 to 5 degrees C above normal.
  • March 1-10 2002 - Near normal to above normal rains (19-106 mm, 60-182% of normal) continued to boost soil moisture in Tanzania, central Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, southern Uganda and much of Kenya. Seasonably dry weather conditions prevailed over western Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea and eastern and western Ethiopia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average over Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti and Tanzania, while readings were 1 to 4 degrees C above normal over the rest of the region.
  • February 2002 - Moderate to heavy rains (69-250 mm; 77-228% of normal) fell in Tanzania, and parts of southern Uganda and Rwanda. parts of southern Kenya. Lighter rains, but unseasonable were observed over western Kenya and along the coast. Seasonable dryness prevailed over Ethiopia and Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated seasonable dryness across Somalia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above average in Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi Kenya and northern part of Tanzania, while readings, were 1 to 2 over the rest part of region.
  • February 21-28 2002 - Light to moderate rains (13-80 mm, 60-188% of normal) continued to boost soil moisture in Tanzania, southern Uganda, and southern Kenya. Satellite-estimated rainfall totaled 75 to 100 mm in southern Tanzania. Estimates also indicated seasonably dry conditions over Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 5 degrees C above average over Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and northern Tanzania, while readings were 1 to 4 degrees C below normal over the rest of the region.
  • February 11-20 2002 - Moderate rains (22-99 mm; 66-108% of normal) fell over much of Tanzania, southern Uganda and western Kenya. Light rains (1-12 mm; 12-60% of normal) fell in pockets of northern Tanzania, northern Uganda and central Ethiopia. Seasonably dry conditions prevailed over Sudan; eastern, northern, and western Ethiopia; eastern Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below average over Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, southern Tanzania and Uganda. They averaged 1 to 2 degrees C above average over northern Uganda and much of Sudan.
  • February 1-10 2002 - Moderate rains (28-39 mm; 66-108% of normal) continued to boost soil moisture in southern Tanzania. Light rains (1-12 mm; 8-52% of normal) fell in pockets of northern Tanzania and southern Uganda. Elsewhere, seasonably dry conditions prevailed across the region, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and northern Uganda. Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated seasonably dry conditions over Somalia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average over Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, southern Tanzania, and Uganda. They averaged 1 to 4 degrees C above average over northern Uganda and Sudan.
  • January 2002 - Above-normal rains (57-284 mm, 120-337% of normal) fell in Tanzania, southwestern Kenya and central and southwestern Ethiopia. Satellite estimates indicated above-normal rains in southern Uganda. Light to moderate rains in northern Tanzania eased the drought that had persisted from the beginning of the short rain season. Estimated amounts exceeded 290 mm in some locations in southern Tanzania. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average.
  • January 21-31 2002 - Normal to above-normal rains (14-60 mm, 100-400% of normal) continued to boost soil moisture in northern Tanzania, southern Uganda and southwestern Kenya. Satellite-estimated rainfall totaled as much as 200 to 300 mm in southern Tanzania. Estimates indicated seasonably dry conditions over Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average over the region.
  • January 11-20 2002 - Moderate to heavy rains (11-133 mm, 70-279% of normal) continued to boost soil moisture in Tanzania. Unseasonably heavy rains hit southern Kenya (75-100 mm, 300-1000% of normal) and western Ethiopia (10-25 mm, 200-500% of normal) at the start of the period. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated seasonably dry conditions over Somalia, Sudan and eastern Ethiopia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average over the region.
  • January 1-10 2002 - Moderate to heavy rains (12-146 mm, 55-331% of normal) fell over Tanzania. Light to moderates rains (1-33 mm, 63-350% of normal) fell in Uganda, the southern half of Kenya and central Ethiopia. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated seasonably dry conditions over Somalia and Sudan. Temperatures were generally near normal to 2 degrees above average in Tanzania and Kenya, except 1 to 4 degrees C below average over Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda.
  • December 2001 - Abnormally dry weather (0-10 mm; 0-50% of normal) covered western Kenya, central and northern Uganda, and northeastern Tanzania. Satellite estimates indicated that negligible rain fell in the Arusha region of northern Tanzania. This area missed most of the short season rains and has seen little rain since April. Normal to above normal rains (70-181 mm; 55-134% of normal) fell in pockets of eastern Kenya and central Tanzania. Light to moderate rains (1-40 mm, 60-108% of normal) fell locally in southern Sudan and southern Somalia. Near normal rains fell in western Tanzania, with estimates exceeding 150 mm in some locations. Although rainfall improved this month in southern Tanzania, amounts totaled as little as 50% of normal. Temperatures were generally near average to 2 degrees C above average over the region.
  • December 21-31 2001 - Moderate to heavy rains (30-120 mm; 70-240% of normal) fell over central and southern Tanzania, easing dry conditions. Isolated pockets of light to moderate rains (1-20 mm; 50-150% of normal) dampened Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated seasonably dry conditions over Somalia and Sudan but unseasonably dry weather (0-10 mm; 10-20 mm below normal) over Kenya, Uganda and northeastern Tanzania. The short rainy season may have ended somewhat earlier than usual in these three areas. The entire season was poor in northeastern Tanzania, with consistently below-normal rainfall since October. Temperatures were generally near normal to 2 degrees C above average in Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Burundi and Uganda. In Sudan, readings averaged 1 to 5 degrees C above average.
  • December 11-20 2001 - Rainfall amounts exceeded 200% of normal from eastern Kenya into extreme northern Tanzania and eastward into southern Somalia, helping to relieve lingering dry conditions. Scattered showers fell in eastern Tanzania, but amounts remained below normal in the interior. Northeastern Tanzania has seen persistently below-normal rainfall since October and southeastern Tanzania has recorded deficits since November. Light to moderate rains (1-50 mm; 60-202% of normal) fell in western parts of Uganda while eastern Kenya recorded up to 140 mm. Isolated pockets of light rain dampened Ethiopia, while estimated totals ranged from 10 to 50 mm in southern Somalia near the Kenyan border. Seasonably dry conditions continued over much of Sudan. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average across Ethiopia, northern Sudan, western Uganda and Burundi. Readings in Kenya and Tanzania mainly averaged 1 to 2 degrees C above average.
  • December 1-10 2001 - Dry conditions prevailed in northern Kenya, eastern Ethiopia and northern Somalia. Scattered showers fell in eastern Tanzania, but amounts remained below normal. Northeastern Tanzania has been persistently dry since October. Light to moderate rains (1-50 mm; 60-202% of normal) fell in western parts of Uganda and eastern Kenya. Isolated pockets of light rain dampened Ethiopia and southern Somalia (1-9 mm; 37-142% of normal) while seasonably dry conditions continued over much of Sudan. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average across Ethiopia, northern Sudan, western Uganda and Burundi. Readings in Kenya and Tanzania mainly averaged 1 to 2 degrees C above average.
  • November 2001 - Kenya recorded normal to above-normal rainfall (85-473 mm; 94-274% of normal) except in the northwest, where rains were lighter. Rainfall was largely below normal in Ethiopia (2-84 mm; 5-65% of normal) except in the extreme southwest, while normal to above-normal rains fell in much of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Monthly satellite rainfall estimates showed near normal rainfall in the northwestern part of Tanzania and below normal in the east, with southern Somalia and southern Sudan picking up light to moderate rainfall. Many stations in the region reported monthly rainfall under 20% of normal as abnormally dry weather persisted for the second consecutive month and long-term drought continued. In contrast, heavy rains (184-271 mm) fell locally in extreme western Kenya and parts of northern Uganda. Temperatures averaged near normal throughout the region, with the exceptions of northern Ethiopia (averaging 1 to 2 degrees C below normal) and eastern Sudan (averaging 1 to 2 degrees C above normal).
  • November 21-30 2001 - Dry conditions prevailed in Tanzania, eastern parts of Uganda, western parts of Kenya (10-40 mm; 20-60% of normal) and Ethiopia. Eastern Tanzania has seen persistently dry weather since October. Isolated pockets of moderate rains fell in eastern Kenya, southwestern parts of Ethiopia and southern Somalia (30-68 mm; 57-212% of normal). Light to moderate rains (1-15 mm; 11-132% of normal) fell over northern Ethiopia, while seasonably dry conditions continued over much of Sudan. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average across much of the region, except over Sudan, where they averaged mainly 1 to 3 degrees C above average.
  • November 11-20 2001 - Wet conditions continued to prevail in parts of the neighboring countries of Lake Victoria. Moderate to heavy rains (30-160 mm; 120-513% of normal) soaked northern and southern Uganda, southwestern, south central, and coastal Kenya. Isolated pockets of moderate to heavy rains (30-75 mm; 207-512% of normal) were also observed in southern Ethiopia. However, light rains (1-5 mm; 11-86% of normal) fell over northern Ethiopia, while seasonably dry conditions prevailed over much of Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated very heavy rains (100-150 mm) over southern Somalia, moderate rains (25-75 mm) over western Tanzania and dry conditions to the east. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees Celsius below average across much of the region, except over Sudan, where they were generally 1 to 3 degrees Celsius above average.
  • November 1-10 2001 - The northern parts of the region continued drying up, however, moderate rains (10-53mm; 40-141% of normal) were recorded in southwestern Ethiopia and southern Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates and surface reports indicate a significant pick-up in rainfall over eastern and northern Kenya, central and southern Somalia and pockets in eastern Tanzania spelling some relief over areas which have experienced continued drought conditions for a while. Moderate to heavy rains (14-61mm; 50-262% of normal) continued pounding most of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, western Kenya and northwestern Tanzania. Temperatures averaged near normal across the sub-region except central parts of Ethiopia, where they averaged 2 to 4 degrees Celsius below normal.
  • October 2001 - Rains picked up near month’s end, but monthly rainfall totaled less than 50% of normal from southern Ethiopia through central and eastern Kenya, southern Somalia, and northeastern Tanzania. Many stations reported rainfall under 20% of normal as abnormally dry weather persisted for the second consecutive month and long-term drought continued. In contrast, heavy rains (184-271 mm) fell in western Kenya, southwestern, northern and eastern Uganda. Satellite rainfall estimates and surface reports indicated moderate rains (50-150 mm; 80-200% of normal) over southern Sudan, western Ethiopia, most of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and northwestern Tanzania. Near to above-normal rains eased drought (25-150 mm; 80-200% of normal) over southeastern Ethiopia and central Somalia, but amounts were not sufficient to eliminate the vestiges of the long-term drought. Temperatures averaged near normal except for Rwanda and northern Ethiopia, where they averaged 1 to 2 degrees C below normal.
  • October 21-31 2001 - Unseasonably wet weather stretched from western Ethiopia and eastern Sudan southward. Moderate to heavy rains (36-118 mm; 80-426% of normal) doused eastern parts of Uganda, western Kenya and Rwanda. Moderate rains (40-70 mm; 80-247% of normal) prevailed elsewhere in Uganda, Burundi, southern Sudan and western Ethiopia, and also spelled some relief over parts of central and northwestern Tanzania. Light rains (5-22 mm; 50-100% of normal) in northern and eastern Kenya and the coast only put a small nick in the long-term drought experienced there. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains over eastern Ethiopia and central Somalia, as moisture conditions continued to improve. Abnormal dryness persisted in eastern Tanzania. Temperatures averaged near normal across the sub-region except in Uganda and northern Ethiopia, where they averaged 1 to 2 degrees Celsius below normal.
  • October 11-20 2001 - Dryness persisted as light rains (1-20 mm; 1-52% of normal) fell across much of Kenya, northeastern Tanzania, southeastern and northeastern Ethiopia. Light rains (1-22 mm; 4-71% of normal) were also observed over northern Uganda and southern Sudan, while seasonable dryness prevailed over northern Sudan. However, moderate rains (28-38 mm; 93-101% of normal) were observed over southern Uganda and locally over western Kenya. Moderate to heavy rains (27-57 mm; 86-203% of normal) fell over central Ethiopia indicating a start of the belg rains. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated dryness over much of Somalia, except pockets of moderate rains (10-25 mm) over central Somalia. Moderate to heavy rains (25-50 mm) were estimated over western Ethiopia along the border with Sudan. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above average across much of the region.
  • October 1-10 2001 - Surface reports and satellite estimates indicated moderate to heavy rainfall (56-156 mm; 100-317% of normal) over extreme southern Sudan and northern Uganda. Other parts of southern Sudan, most of Uganda, Rwanda, western Burundi, northern Tanzania and western Kenya recorded moderate rains (15-100 mm). Coastal areas of Kenya and northeastern Tanzania recorded light to moderate rainfall (5-15 mm; 57-86% of normal), continuing the pattern of below-normal rainfall that has persisted since September. Light rains (less than 10 mm) fell over central Somalia, perhaps signaling the start of the minor (deyr) rainy season. Overall amounts of 0 to 10 mm across Somalia, southern Ethiopia, the pastoral areas of Kenya, and northeastern Tanzania, were below normal, suggesting a weak start to the minor (short) rainy season. In addition to short-term dryness, long-term drought persisted across most of this region. Satellite estimates indicated pockets of localized rain in southern Tanzania. Temperatures averaged near normal across the region except over northern Tanzania, Burundi and central Ethiopia, where they averaged 2 to 4 degrees C below normal.
  • September 2001 - Heavy rains (150-250 mm) fell in southwestern Sudan and in pockets of central Sudan, aggravating the river flooding that started in August. Moderate rains (50-102 mm; 71 to 112% of normal) fell in other areas of central and eastern Sudan. Locally heavy rains (up to 220 mm) fell over central Uganda and northwestern Ethiopia, causing flooding in low-lying areas. According to satellite estimates, other parts of Uganda (except the northwest), Rwanda, Burundi and a small strip along Lake Tanganyika on the western side of Tanzania accumulated light to moderate rainfall (25-100 mm). As in August, western Kenya saw heavy rains (108-271 mm; 98-445% of normal), some of which were associated with hail damage to tea farms in Kericho district. Abnormally dry weather extended from the southeast coast of Kenya to northeast Tanzania, with rainfall amounts only 2 to 14% of normal. Satellite estimates also indicated below-normal rainfall for central Ethiopia.
  • September 21-30 2001 - Surface reports and satellite estimates indicated locally heavy rains (115 mm, 137-622% of normal) over western Kenya and parts of northern Uganda. Moderate showers (38-89 mm) fell locally over central and southern Sudan, most of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and extreme western Ethiopia. Scattered light rains fell over central and northern Somalia, but southern Somalia remained dry. The minor (deyr) rainy season typically starts around late September or early October in Somalia. Abnormally dry weather covered the southeast coast of Kenya and the northeast coast of Tanzania, as amounts of 0 to 1 mm contrasted with normal totals of 20 to 25 mm.
  • September 11-20 2001 - Surface reports and satellite estimates indicated locally heavy rains (128 mm) over southwestern Kenya. Moderate showers (80 to 166% of normal) fell locally over central and southern Sudan, northern Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and extreme western Ethiopia. For other parts of central Sudan, northeastern and central Ethiopia and northern Somalia, rains were generally light.
  • September 1-10 2001 - Significant showers (80 to 158% of normal) fell locally over east-central Sudan and western Ethiopia. For other parts of central and southern Sudan, northeastern Ethiopia and isolated areas of northwestern and southern Somalia, amounts ranged between 2 and 25 mm. Estimated totals (1-25 mm) were below normal in eastern Darfur Province in western Sudan, an area that has seen erratic rainfall during much of the season. According to satellite estimates and ground reports, most of Uganda and western Kenya recorded moderate showers, with heavy rains of 75 to 100 mm just north of Lake Victoria in Uganda.
  • August 2001 - Heavy rains (150-250 mm) fell along the Nile Basin in east-central Sudan, contributing to river flooding, and in southwest Sudan (150-300 mm), while moderate rains (52 to 179 mm; 77 to 144% of normal) fell in central and west-central Sudan. Locally heavy rains (up to 150 mm) fell over northern Uganda and northwestern Ethiopia (up to 300 mm). Unseasonable rains fell over western Kenya (103 to 323% of normal).
  • August 21-31 2001 - Heavy showers (up to 150 mm; 155 to 200% of normal) fell over east-central Sudan, contributing to additional river flooding, while lighter rains fell in the southeast. According to satellite estimates and surface reports, northern and central Uganda and western Ethiopia measured light to locally moderate showers, with heavy rains (75-150 mm) north and west of Lake Tana in northwestern Ethiopia. Estimated amounts have been below normal since mid-August in central and southwestern Ethiopia.
  • August 11-20 2001 - Moderate to heavy showers (17-123 mm; 46-604% of normal) fell over most of Uganda, southern and east-central Sudan, western Ethiopia, Burundi, Rwanda and western Kenya. Seasonably light rains (less than 10 mm) fell over southern and eastern Ethiopia.
  • August 1-10 2001 - Heavy showers (115-142 mm, 194-214% of normal) pounded southern Sudan, while light to moderate rains (3 - 87 mm; 15 - 128% of normal) dampened the remaining of Sudan, western and central Ethiopia, northern Uganda and central Kenya. Seasonably dry conditions prevailed over Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated seasonable dryness over much of Somalia. Temperatures were Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above average across much of Sudan. While they were 1 to 2 degrees C below average over Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania, readings were near average across much of Kenya.
  • July 2001 - Light to moderate rains (1-150 mm, 17-127% of normal) fell in central Sudan, Uganda, coastal and western Kenya, and the northeastern coast of Tanzania. Isolated heavy rains (207 mm, 151% of normal) fell in central Sudan. Satellite estimates indicated abundant seasonal rains across central, northern and western Ethiopia. Light rainfall over northern and eastern interior Kenya had no impact on severe long-term rainfall deficits, and no relief is expected until the seasonal rains begin in October. The drought areas of northern interior Tanzania remained dry. Somalia and eastern Ethiopia recorded seasonably dry weather. Temperatures were normal except in central and northern Sudan, where readings averaged 2 degrees C above normal.
  • July 21-31 2001 - Seasonably dry weather continued in northern Sudan, Somalia, extreme eastern Kenya and Tanzania. Satellite estimates of precipitation indicated that northern, western, and central Ethiopia picked up between 50 and 150 mm while Eritrea's rainfall ranged from 0 mm at the coast to near 100 mm in the southwest. Light to moderate rains (1-65 mm; 4-368% of normal) fell in central and southern Sudan, Uganda, western Kenya and northwestern and coastal Tanzania. Long-term rainfall deficits continued over interior Tanzania and Kenya as well as southern Ethiopia and parts of northern Ethiopia. Marsabit, in northern Kenya, has reported less than one-fourth normal rainfall both in the past 3 months and the past 12 months. Temperatures averaged 2 degrees C below normal in northwestern Somalia but 2 to 4 degrees C above normal in central and northern Sudan and isolated places in northern and southern Tanzania.
  • July 11-20 2001 - Moderate rains (10-75 mm) eased dryness over central Sudan, while moderate to heavy showers (50-100 mm) fell over western and northern Ethiopia, western Eritrea and southern Sudan. Moderate to heavy rains (30-110 mm; 124-450% of normal) fell over most of Uganda, western Kenya, northern Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.
  • July 1-10 2001 - A lagging ITCZ maintained below-normal rainfall, high temperatures and low humidities over the northern crop areas of Sudan, particularly in the western half. Moderate rain (10-74 mm; 62-152% of normal) fell over south-central Sudan and western Ethiopia.
  • June 2001 - Conditions were seasonably dry except for above-normal rains in Uganda and western Kenya and below normal rains in west-central Sudan and northern Ethiopia. Light to moderate rains (38-153 mm; 35-149% of normal) fell over central and southern Sudan, western Ethiopia (52-131 mm; 26-50% of normal), northern and eastern Uganda and southwestern Kenya (25-183 mm).
  • June 21-30 2001 - Light to moderate rain (1-40 mm; 4-80% of normal) fell over southern Sudan, western Ethiopia, most of Uganda and southwestern Kenya. Rains were below normal from northern Ethiopia into southern Eritrea, according to satellite estimates, indicating the second season may be slow to start from Shewa northward to Tigray in Ethiopia.
  • June 11-20 2001 - Moderate to heavy showers (40-136 mm; 60-342% of normal) fell over western Ethiopia, southern Sudan, northern and eastern Uganda and southwest Kenya. Satellite estimates indicated excessive amounts exceeding 150 mm in parts of southern Sudan. Seasonally dry weather allowed dry conditions to persist over Somalia and eastern Ethiopia. Northern and eastern Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi were seasonably dry.
  • June 1-10 2001 - Moderate showers (50-100 mm; 90-199% of normal) fell over western Ethiopia, southern Sudan, northern and eastern Uganda and southwest Kenya. Dry conditions persisted over eastern and southern Ethiopia, Somalia, northern and eastern Kenya and much of Tanzania, but amounts are typically low during this time of the year. Rwanda and Burundi recorded less than 10 mm. Temperatures averaged 2 to 4 degrees C below normal over northern and southern Uganda and southeastern Kenya. Readings averaged 2 degrees C above normal over eastern Sudan.
  • May 2001 - Moderate to heavy showers fell in western and south-central Ethiopia (69-300 mm; 94-236% of normal), southwestern Sudan (150-250 mm; 100-150% of normal), eastern Uganda and southwestern Kenya (126-234 mm; 82-88%), coastal Kenya, coastal Tanzania and extreme southern Somalia (50-100 mm). Abnormally dry weather, with rainfall totals 50% of normal or less, prevailed in northern Kenya and in parts of western, central and southern Kenya; southeastern and extreme southern Ethiopia, including the Somali region; central Somalia; and central Tanzania. Rainfall was below normal (25-65 mm; 50-75% of normal) in Rwanda, Burundi, northwestern Tanzania, southwestern Uganda and northern Somalia. Satellite estimates indicated pockets of below-normal rainfall in central and northern Ethiopia, especially in Tigray. For February through May, preliminary rainfall estimates for the African Horn show a generally below normal season, with cumulative rainfall under 50% of normal in the Somali region of Ethiopia and 50 to 80% of normal across much of Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The (belg) crop areas in Ethiopia measured generally average rainfall, but satellite estimates suggested locally below-normal rainfall in the north. Monthly temperatures averaged near normal, except 2 to 3 degrees C below normal over Ethiopia.
  • May 21-31 2001 - Moderate rain (22-100 mm; 117-845% of normal) fell over west-central Ethiopia, east-central, southern and south-western Sudan, western Kenya and eastern Uganda. Dry conditions persisted over eastern Ethiopia, southern Somalia and central Tanzania. The remainder of Somalia recorded light rain (less than 5 mm). In most of Somalia and adjacent Ethiopia, the rainy season ended somewhat early (around May 10) and began somewhat late, resulting in a shortened season. Most of Uganda and northern Kenya recorded less than 50% of normal rainfall. Heavy rain, more than 100 mm, fell over the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania. Light rain (under 25 mm, less than 84% of normal) fell over Rwanda, Burundi and northwestern Tanzania. Temperatures averaged within 1 degree C of normal, except 2 to 4 degrees C below normal over the coast of Tanzania, south-central Uganda and most of Ethiopia. Readings averaged 2 degrees above normal over northeast Kenya and northern Sudan.
  • May 11-20 2001 - Below-normal rains persisted over northwestern and northern Kenya, most of Tanzania, southern Ethiopia and southern Somalia with 0-25 mm totals (0-40% of normal). If this were an early end to the rains in eastern Ethiopia, it could be a concern because of the late start to the season. In contrast, the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania recorded normal to above rainfall (38-183 mm; 93-206% of normal). Estimated rainfall was below normal (12-23 mm; 40-70% of normal) in Rwanda, Burundi and northwest Tanzania, indicating that the rainy season may end early. Moderate rain (14-100 mm, 118-269% of normal) fell over central Ethiopia and southern Sudan. Temperature readings averaged within 1 degree C of normal except 2 to 4 degrees C below normal over extreme southern Kenya, southwestern Tanzania and most of Ethiopia, and 2 to 4 degrees C above normal over central Tanzania, central and southern Sudan and northern Uganda.
  • May 1-10 2001 - Drier weather prevailed in southern, eastern and northern Kenya as well as in southern Ethiopia, southwestern Somalia and western Tanzania. However, southwestern Kenya recorded more than 50 mm of rain, and light to moderate rains (1-28 mm; 1-59% of normal) fell in coastal Kenya and parts of northern Kenya. According to satellite estimates, most of southern Uganda, eastern Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi received 1-40 mm but significant dryness remained. Near-normal rainfall (25-75 mm) prevailed in central and northern Uganda, southwestern and south-central Kenya, southern Sudan and southwestern Ethiopia. Moderate to heavy rain (75-150 mm; 99-232%) fell in central Ethiopia but most of Somalia measured less than 25 mm and northwestern Ethiopia was dry. Locally heavy rains further relieved dryness in northern Ethiopia. Dry conditions due to abnormally low rainfall in recent weeks persisted over eastern Ethiopia (Somali region) northward into northern Somalia (Somaliland) and southward into southern interior Somalia and eastern and northwestern Kenya. The rainy season has been slow to start across south-central Sudan, where rainfall was negligible this period. Temperatures averaged within 1 degree C of normal, except 2 to 4 degrees C below normal over central Ethiopia; 2 degrees C above normal in eastern Rwanda, southeastern and northwestern Uganda, the north coast of Kenya and northeastern Kenya; and 2 to 4 degrees C above normal over most of Sudan.
  • April 2001 - Reported and satellite-estimated rainfall totaled less than 100 mm (25-50% of normal) in Rwanda, Burundi, northwestern Tanzania and extreme southwestern Uganda. April is typically the wettest month in this region, so the drying trend during the last half of the month was unusual. The seasonal rains paused in northern Ethiopia from late March until late April, resulting in below-normal monthly totals. In eastern Ethiopia and northern Somalia, the rainy season began late, reducing April totals to 0 to 40 mm (1-50% of normal). In contrast, moderate to heavy showers (100-203 mm; 90-103% of normal) fell in Uganda (except the extreme southwest), western Kenya, southern Somalia, southern Ethiopia and southern Sudan. Temperatures averaged around 2 degrees C above normal in Sudan and near to slightly below normal elsewhere.
  • April 21-30 2001 - Satellite estimates and reported totals indicated moderate to heavy rains (30-95 mm; 100-203% of normal) in western Kenya, central Uganda, coastal Tanzania and southern Ethiopia. Beneficial showers (1-50 mm) eased dryness across northern and eastern Ethiopia and northern Somalia (Somaliland), but more rain is needed to end the rainfall deficits. Seasonably heavy rains fell across central and southern Somalia and southern Sudan, according to satellite estimates. Below-normal rains (0-25 mm) continued over central and northern Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, southwestern Uganda and central and eastern Kenya. Temperatures averaged within 1 degree C of normal, except 2 to 3 degrees C below normal over most of Ethiopia and 2 to 4 degrees C above normal over most of Sudan and northern Somalia.
  • April 11-20 2001 - The rainy season became established over southern Somalia, as satellite estimates indicated 25 to 200 mm over the south. In contrast, dryness persisted over northern and eastern Ethiopia as well as Somaliland (northern Somalia). In Ethiopia, little rain has fallen from Addis northward since late March. Increased showers fell over parts of eastern Ethiopia in the Somali region, but amounts were mainly under 10 mm and below normal. Before this period, rainfall had been negligible in this region since the start of the year. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated rain exceeding 125 mm in southwestern Ethiopia and southern Tanzania, but amounts were abnormally light (0-25 mm) in Rwanda and Burundi. Heavy showers (24-132 mm; 95-151% of normal) continued over southern Uganda and the Victoria Basin. The rains diminished in southwestern Kenya and central and northern Tanzania as locally heavy rains hit southern Tanzania. Temperatures averaged near normal across the region except 1 to 3 degrees below normal in Ethiopia and 2 to 3 degrees C above normal in Sudan.
  • April 1-10 2001 - Heavy rains (61-83 mm; 100-373% of normal) hit southwestern Kenya, central and northern Tanzania, southern Uganda and the Lake Victoria Basin. Although the rainy season is established over much of East Africa, contributing to long-term drought relief in the pastoral areas, the first season (belg) rains have been erratic over eastern and northern Ethiopia, while the main season main season rains have been slow to penetrate Somalia. Rainfall has been below normal for the season in eastern agricultural areas of Ethiopia and below normal since late March in the north. Satellite-estimated rainfall totals improved in Rwanda and Burundi, as totals ranged from 25 to 75 mm during the 10-day period. Temperatures averaged near normal across the region except 1 to 3 degrees below normal in Uganda, southern Sudan and Ethiopia.
  • March 2001 - Ample rains at month’s end boosted monthly totals to near or above-normal in most areas. Satellite estimates indicated, however, that monthly rainfall was less than normal in east-central Ethiopia, while above normal to the west. Amounts totaled under 50% of normal in extreme eastern Kenya, but ranged from 100 to 200% of normal in central and western Kenya and much of Uganda, easing long-term drought. Satellite estimates indicated below-normal rainfall in parts of Rwanda and Burundi, especially northern Burundi, as well as in central and northeastern Tanzania.
  • March 21-31 2001 - Heavy rains (46-216 mm; 102-511% of normal) pounded Kenya, northern Uganda, the Lake Victoria Basin and northwestern Tanzania. Heavier rains also hit southern Ethiopia. The increased rainfall eased short and long-term dry conditions in central, southern, and northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. Satellite data indicated light to moderate showers over southern Somalia. The rainy season appears to have started generally on schedule; however, considerably more rain is still needed to end the severe long-term rainfall deficits over pastoral areas of Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated rain exceeding 150 mm over the Lake Victoria Basin and 50 mm elsewhere in much of the region. Satellite-estimated rainfall amounts were variable over Rwanda and Burundi, with estimated totals continuing to be below normal across northern and central Burundi and western Rwanda. Temperatures averaged near normal across the region except 1 to 3 degrees below normal in Uganda.
  • March 11-20 2001 - Light to moderate showers (21-28 mm; 109-152% of normal) fell in western Kenya, northern Uganda and west-central and northern Ethiopia. Long-term drought persisted in northern Kenya, while short-term dryness developed in central and southern Kenya, where total rainfall has been under 50% of normal during the past 4 weeks. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated rain exceeding 75 mm in southern Tanzania, but amounts were abnormally light (0-10 mm) in central and northern Tanzania and below normal in Rwanda and Burundi. Satellite estimated amounts have been below normal since mid-February in both countries. Temperatures averaged near normal across the region except 1 to 3 degrees below normal in Uganda.
  • March 1-10 2001 - Moderate-to-heavy showers (27-203 mm; 144-490% of normal) relieved dryness in southwestern Kenya, Uganda and northwestern Tanzania. However, satellite rainfall estimates indicated that long-term dryness persisted in eastern Kenya, Somalia, southeastern and western Ethiopia. Although, Ethiopia's first season (belg) rains began on time in February, rainfall continued to be light in the southwestern and central parts of the country. Temperatures were average across the region.
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