Eastern Africa and the Horn Weather Analysis 2002/2003

Current season | Back to historical analysis page

Seasonal Vegetation Index

(Note differences in months due to timing of seasons)

Seasonal vegetative index

Seasonal Rainfall

(Note differences in months due to timing of seasons)

Seasonal rainfall

Current season | Back to historical analysis page

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 2003 - Below normal rainfall (1- 68 mm; 1-84% of normal) prevailed in Sudan, except locally over western Sudan, where rainfall amounts ranged between 67and 92 mm; 95-265% of normal). Rainfall was also below normal over part of southern and northern Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi. However, unseasonable moderate to heavy rains (15-197 mm; 88-620 % of normal) soaked southwest, northeast, and coastal Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (150-250 mm) over Ethiopia along the border with Sudan. Estimates were lighter over central Ethiopia, while dry conditions prevailed in the east, Somalia, and Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates also suggested light to moderate rains (25-150 mm) over Uganda. >
September 21-30 2003 - Dry conditions or light rains prevailed across much of the region. Light to moderate rains (4-34 mm; 2-72% of normal) fell over southwestern Kenya and pockets of southern and central Sudan, while Ethiopia was unseasonably dry. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated dryness across Tanzania and Somalia. They were 1 to 75 mm over Uganda and pockets of northern Somalia. Temperatures averaged 1 to 4 degrees C below normal across Ethiopia, parts of southern Kenya, and southern Tanzania. Elsewhere, they were 1 to 4 degrees C above normal.
September 11-20 2003 - Seasonal rains were on the decrease across the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea as the Meher season approaches its end. Rainfall amounts across the highlands were generally in the 10 to 50 mm range, however a few locations received heavier amounts of precipitation. Showers (10-25 mm) increased moisture across the Ahmar mountains in Ethiopia and Somalia, as well as in Djibouti. Seasonal rains continued across central and southern Sudan (5-40 mm; 50-100 mm southeast). Seasonal rains continued across Uganda and southwestern Kenya (10-60 mm), while scattered showers developed across Rwanda and Burundi. Conditions were seasonably dry across most of Somalia, southern Ethiopia, eastern Kenya and most of Tanzania. Temperatures averaged 2 to 5 degrees Celsius below normal across Ethiopia and 1 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal in Sudan.
September 1-10 2003 - Abundant rains persisted over southwestern Kenya. Rainfall totals ranged between 26 and 66 mm (100-309% of normal). However, dry weather conditions prevailed in the remainder of the country. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy rains (100-200 mm) along the western edge of Ethiopia northward into southwestern Eritrea and locally over southern Sudan. Rainfall estimates were moderate over central Ethiopia, central Sudan, and over Uganda. Dry conditions prevailed over eastern Ethiopia, most of Somalia, northern and eastern Kenya, and most of Tanzania. Temperatures were generally near average.
August 2003 - Excessive rains fell in northwestern Ethiopia, western Eritrea and neighboring parts of Sudan, as estimated totals reached 400 mm locally. Unusually heavy rains (75-150 mm, 150-400 percent of normal) also hit semi-arid and arid areas of northeastern Ethiopia, western Djibouti, and northern Somalia. Abundant rains fell in western Kenya (100-250 mm, 150-300 percent of normal) and southern Uganda (100-150 mm, 100-150 percent of normal). Satellite estimates depicted somewhat drier-than-normal weather in western Ethiopia extending southward from Lake Tana into southwestern Ethiopia. Temperatures throughout the region were near normal.
August 21-31 2003 - Abundant rains persisted in northwestern Ethiopia and adjacent parts of western Eritrea, with estimated amounts of 100 to 150 mm. Estimated totals of 25 to 75 mm over most of central and western Ethiopia were somewhat less than expected for this time of the year. Moderate amounts (25-75 mm) covered most of Sudan’s crop areas. Seasonably dry weather prevailed across southern Ethiopia into northern and eastern Kenya and southern and central Somalia. Unseasonably wet weather (10-25 mm) prevailed over far northern Somalia and western and central Djibouti, according to satellite estimates. Above-normal rains of 40 to 75 mm (150-250 percent of normal) fell in western Kenya. Unseasonably heavy rains (25-100 mm) extended into Uganda. Temperatures were near normal over the region.
August 11-20 2003 - Torrential rains exacerbated flooding problems across the highlands of Eritrea and northern Ethiopia (90-150+ mm). Heavy rains also struck the Kassala state in Sudan, which was hit by severe flooding in late July. Heavy rains also fell across eastern Amhara and much of Afar in Ethiopia (75-150 mm). Locally heavy rains also fell across the Ahmar Mountains in Ethiopia and across northern coastal Somalia. Less intense seasonal rains fell across the central and southern portions of the Ethiopian highlands, as well as much of the Rift Valley (30-80 mm). Locally heavy rains soaked southwestern Sudan (75-150 mm), while increasing seasonal rains raised concerns about flooding across southwestern Kenya (37-219 mm; 62-386% of normal). Seasonal showers continued in Uganda (20-70 mm), with seasonably dry conditions in Tanzania. Temperatures averaged near normal across most of East Africa.
August 1-10 2003 - Heavy rains soaked the highlands of Eritrea and northern Ethiopia (75-200 mm) resulting in flooding problems. Runoff from the heavy rains exacerbated flooding in nearby portions of eastern Sudan. Heavy seasonal rains (75-200 mm) prevailed across the central highlands of Ethiopia and across southern portions of the Afar region. Lighter showers (5-50 mm) dampened top soils across the southern highlands. Widespread seasonal rains (25-150 mm) fell across central and southern Sudan. Seasonal showers prevailed across Uganda and southwestern Kenya (10-50 mm; locally up to 100 mm in southwestern Kenya). Conditions were seasonably dry across eastern Ethiopia, Somalia, northern/eastern Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal across Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Temperatures were 2 degrees Celsius above normal across southwestern Kenya and 1 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal across most of Sudan.
July 2003 - The meher rains were going strong across the western portions of the Ethiopian highlands and across western Eritrea (150-300 mm). Rainfall, however, was lighter than normal across the southern portions of the highlands and east of Lake Tana (50-150 mm). The wet season was off to a good start across the Afar region of Ethiopia (10-100 mm). Seasonal rains fell across southwestern Sudan (150-250 mm). Rainfall was somewhat lighter than normal across southeastern Sudan (50-150 mm). In Kenya, seasonal rains fell across the southwest. However, conditions were unusually dry along the Kenya/southern Somalia coast.
July 21-31 2003 - Beneficial rains fell across the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea (10-100 mm). Showers extended into western and southern parts of the Afar region of Ethiopia (5-50 mm). Seasonal rains continued across central and southern Sudan (10-114 mm; 45-226% of normal). Occasional rains fell across the higher elevations of southwestern Kenya (2-82 mm; 28-94 % of normal). Conditions were unseasonably dry along the Kenya Coast (2-3 mm; 5-12 % of normal). Conditions were seasonably dry across the rest of Kenya and into Tanzania. Temperatures were 1 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal across Ethiopia. Temperatures were near normal elsewhere.
July 11-20 2003 - The seasonal rains increased over central and western areas of Ethiopia, but estimated amounts (1-25 mm) remained light in north-central areas east of the highlands and in the southwest as well. Significant rainfall deficits continued in the areas that saw a late start to the main season rains. The north-central areas also experienced an early end to the first season (belg) rainy season. In Kenya, rainfall was above normal in the west (10-75 mm, 120-200 percent of normal) and seasonably dry elsewhere. Temperatures averaged near normal, except 1 to 2 degrees C above normal in central Sudan, which measured light rainfall this period.
July 1-10 2003 - The seasonal rains expanded farther into central Ethiopia, but estimated amounts around 10 to 50 mm across interior sections contrasted with typical amounts of 30 to 70 mm. As a result, cumulative rainfall since June 1 totaled under 50 percent of normal across north-central Ethiopia. Seasonably dry weather prevailed over southern Ethiopia and interior Somalia, although rainfall may have been lighter than normal along the Somalia coast. Rainfall was above normal (40-80 mm, 200-300 percent of normal) along the Kenyan coast and in scattered locations in central and western Kenya. Above-normal rains also fell along the northeastern Tanzania coast, but amounts were light in the interior. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy rains exceeding 75 mm in parts of northern Uganda. Regional temperatures were near normal.
June 2003 - Although the main season rains finally started in far western Ethiopia, they were slow to start farther east, especially beyond Lake Tana. Estimated totals (10 to 50 mm) for June.were only 20 to 50 percent of normal from eastern Tigray southward through central and eastern Amhara into eastern Oromiya. Reflecting both a poor belg season and a slow-starting meher(main) season, March-June cumulative rainfall totaled 40 to 60 percent of normal over much of this region. Seasonably dry weather prevailed in June in northeastern and southern Ethiopia, northern and central Somalia, and central Kenya. Drought persisted in northeastern Tanzania and adjacent portions of southeastern Kenya, where March-June rainfall totaled under 60 percent of normal. Satellite estimates also indicated below-normal rainfall in Rwanda and Burundi, continuing a dry pattern that dated back to March. Southeastern Sudan saw below-normal rainfall (50-80 percent). Northern Somalia was dry. Although lack of rain in June is not abnormal in northern Somalia, estimated March-June rainfall totaled under 60 percent of normal in the northeastern interior (Sanaag and Sool), adding to long-term deficits. Regional June temperatures were near normal.
June 21-30 2003 - The seasonal rains expanded from western into central Ethiopia, but estimated amounts in the drought-plagued areas of interior Ethiopia remained rather light. Western areas saw abundant amounts of 50 to 100 mm, but totals of around 10 to 25 mm failed to significantly alleviate the dryness that has resulted from sub-par rainfall persisting for 3 to 4 months in eastern Tigray, central and eastern Amhara and parts of Oromiya. Elsewhere in the region, seasonable dryness prevailed from southern Ethiopia through Somalia, central Kenya, and Tanzania. Above-normal rains fell over western and coastal Kenya (25-100 mm, 125-270 percent of normal). Rainfall remained slightly below normal in portions of southeastern Sudan.
June 11-20 2003 - Light to moderate rains (32-153 mm; 94-269% of normal) continued over the western parts of Kenya, while increased moderate rains of 80-119 mm (117-227% of normal) fell along the coastal areas. The southern parts of Sudan, central Ethiopia, most of Uganda and parts of northern Kenya experienced light rains (1-52 mm; 3-285% of normal), while northern Sudan, Eastern Kenya and most of Tanzania continued to be generally dry. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated continued moderately heavy rains of 100-200 mm over western Ethiopia and southwestern Eritrea. Light rains were also indicated over southern coast of Somalia, while dryness prevailed over the rest of Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, northeastern and southern Ethiopia, Rwanda and Burundi. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above average in Kenya and most of Sudan, while Ethiopia, Uganda and most of Tanzania averaged 1 to 2 degrees C below average.
June 1-10 2003 - Light to moderate rains (22-182 mm; 112-318% of normal) continued over the western Kenya, while the coastal areas of Kenya and northern Tanzanian, which were fairly wet during the previous 10-day period, remained generally dry with rainfall deficits as high as 75 mm. The southern half of Sudan, most of Uganda and central Ethiopia experienced light to moderate rains (1-52 mm; 5-283%), while northern Sudan, Eastern Kenya and most of Tanzania remained generally dry. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderately heavy rains of up to 150 mm over western Ethiopia, while most of Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, northeastern and southern Ethiopia, Rwanda and Burundi remained generally dry. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above average over most of the region, except in Ethiopia and Uganda, where they averaged 1 to 2 degrees C below average.
May 2003 - Much depressed rainfall was recorded in almost the entire region during the month. The worst hit areas included western Ethiopia, southern Sudan, Uganda, northeastern Tanzania and Northern coast of Kenya, where monthly rainfall deficits were between 84 and 457 mm. However, isolated areas in western, central and eastern Kenya, and central and northwestern Tanzania recorded near normal to above normal rainfall (97-345 mm; 89-349% of normal). This resulted in continued local flooding in parts of western Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy rains (100-400 mm) over southern Somalia, while the central and northern parts of the country experienced light to moderate rains (25-150 mm). The northern parts of Sudan, northern Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and southern Tanzania remained generally dry throughout the month.
May 21-31 2003 - Moderate to heavy rains (92-206 mm; 198-385% of normal) fell along the coast of northern Tanzanian and southern Kenya. These areas had previously experienced very dry conditions. Light to moderate rains (11-106 mm; 69-612%) also occurred over most parts of Kenya, including the flooded areas in the west. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains of up to 250 mm over southwestern Sudan, western and southeastern Ethiopia and central and southern Somalia. Most parts of Uganda and southern Sudan experienced light rains (3-23 mm; 3-103%). Dryness prevailed over most of Tanzania, Rwanda Burundi, northern Sudan, northwestern Kenya, central and northern Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above average over most of the region except in Uganda, where they averaged 1 to 2 degrees C below average. Near normal temperatures occurred over most of Kenya.
May 11-20 2003 - Light to moderate rains (25-119 mm; 56-168% of normal) fell over western Kenya, enough to maintain flooding in these areas. Coastal Kenya, which has been unusually dry, experienced beneficial light to moderate rains (38-97 mm; 31-93% of normal). Light to moderate rains (1-59 mm; 3-348% of normal) also fell over northwestern and southeastern Tanzania, northern Kenya, southern Sudan and southwestern Ethiopia. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains of up to 100 mm over most of Uganda, and northern and southern Somalia. Dry conditions generally prevailed elsewhere. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C above average over most of Sudan, Kenya, and northern parts of Tanzania. Over Uganda, Ethiopia, southern Tanzania and extreme northern Sudan, they averaged 1 to 2 degrees C below normal.
May 1-10 2003 - The western and central Kenya as well as the northwestern parts of Tanzania recorded moderate to heavy rains (33-168 mm; 90-417% of normal) that worsened flooding especially over western Kenya. This flooding has resulted in loss of lives and destruction of infrastructure in these areas. The precipitation amounts were however lower than the previous 10-day period. Much depressed rains persisted along coastal Kenya, where rainfall amounts were less than 7 mm. Light to moderate rains (6-41 mm; 42-481%) fell locally over central and southern Tanzania, northern Kenya, southern Ethiopia and southern Sudan. Seasonable dryness continued over central and northern Sudan. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above average over central and southern Sudan and along coastal Kenya and Tanzania. They averaged 1 to 3 degrees C over most of Ethiopia, Uganda, northern Sudan and southern Tanzania while near normal temperatures prevailed over most of Kenya.
April 2003 - Much below normal rainfall (1-79 mm; 1-56% of normal) extended across central and eastern Sudan, northwestern Ethiopia, Uganda, coastal Kenya, and eastern Tanzania. However, abnormally heavy rains (156-482 mm, 169-257% of normal) prevailed across interior Kenya. Local flooding occurred in some portions of central Kenya due to extreme heavy rains in the last 10-day period of April. Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated heavy rains (100-250 mm) over southern Somalia, while the northern part of the country remained seasonably dry.
April 21-30 2003 - Kenya recorded heavy rains (77-260 mm; 126-624% of normal) that doused most of the country. The heavy rains were particularly unusual and resulted in flooding over the western and parts of central areas, where rainfall departures from average ranged between 64 and 132 mm. However, below normal rains persisted along the coastal areas of Kenya, where rainfall was light to moderate (8-44 mm, 15-61% of normal). Seasonable dryness prevailed over central and northern Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (25-100 mm) over the southern half of Somalia, southern Ethiopia, southern Sudan, northern Uganda, and northwestern Tanzania. Dry conditions prevailed over northern Somalia and northwestern Ethiopia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above average over most of Kenya, northeastern Tanzania, and southern Sudan. They were 1 to 3 degrees C below average in the remainder of the region.
April 11-20 2003 - Moderate to heavy rains (52-222 mm; 89-621% of normal) fell over northeastern, western and central Kenya, and over southern Ethiopia clearing the dry conditions that prevailed in these areas during the previous 10-day period. Wajir, a station in northeastern Kenya recorded 125 mm on 15th April. This amount was nearly equal to the March-May long-term seasonal mean precipitation (163 mm) at this station. Moderate rains (71-142 mm) were also recorded over parts of northwestern Tanzania and along the Kenyan coast. However, abnormal dryness continued over southeastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania, while seasonable dryness prevailed over northern and central parts of Sudan, most of Eritrea, northwestern Ethiopia, and southern Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (75-300 mm) over southern Somalia, northern Uganda, Rwanda, southern Sudan, and along the northern coast of Tanzania. This was a marked increase compared to the previous 10-day period. Rainfall estimates were, however, light to moderate (1-75 mm) over Burundi, northwestern Ethiopia, Djibouti, southeastern Eritrea, and northern Somalia. Temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees C above normal in Kenya, northern Tanzania and central parts of Sudan. Elsewhere, the temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees C below normal with a few areas in central Ethiopia averaging 4 to 6 degrees C below normal.
April 1-10 2003 - Unseasonable heat and dryness prevailed across the region. The highest 10-day total precipitation was 44 mm recorded at Songea in southern Tanzania. Huge rainfall deficits were registered at most stations in Uganda and Kenya, where rainfall totals ranged between 1 and 38 mm (1-60% of normal). This was a marked reduction compared to the previous 10-day period. It should be noted that April is the peak month for rainfall over Kenya, Uganda, Somalia and northern Tanzania. This dryness is therefore a cause for alarm bearing in mind that most of the region experienced depressed rainfall in March. However, light rains (1-44 mm; 1-82%) fell locally over central and southern Tanzania and parts of central and southwestern Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated that dryness eased over southern Sudan as amounts, although light to moderate, ranged between 10 and 75 mm. Abnormal dryness covered central and western Ethiopia, with scattered locations in the north and west picking up 10 to 25 mm or more. Seasonable dry conditions continued to prevail over northern Sudan, eastern Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and northern Somalia. Rainfall tapered off to below-normal amounts (0-25 mm) across southern Somalia. Temperatures generally averaged above normal, ranging from 1 to 3 degrees C above normal in Kenya and Tanzania. Sudan recorded especially high temperatures in the central region, where readings averaged 5 to 7 degrees C above normal.
March 2003 - The long rains season finally began around the end of the month, allowing monthly totals to reach normal levels in western Kenya and parts of eastern Kenya, but many central and eastern locations in Kenya ended the month with less than 50% of normal. The Ethiopian highlands saw seasonable rains in March, but totals were below normal in many central areas, according to satellite estimates, allowing long-term drought to persist. Eastern Ethiopia and northern Somalia remained seasonably dry, but the rainy season appears to have started somewhat early in southern Somalia, where showers left up to 100 mm. Despite late-month rains, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi measured below-normal rains for March, with scattered areas estimated to have seen under 50% of normal. Temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees C above normal in Tanzania and southwestern Kenya.
Mar 21-31 2003 - Moderate to heavy showers of 67 to 176 mm (176-225% of normal) fell over southern, central and western Kenya as well as southern Tanzania. This marked the late onset of the March to May long rains season in the region. Most of the rains fell in the second half of the period, with some stations recording as high as 72 mm in a single day. In contrast, eastern interior Kenya remained abnormally dry, as amounts ranged from 0 to 20 mm. Most of Tanzania, Uganda and extreme southern Sudan realized light to moderate rains of 4 to 65 mm (20-290%). Satellite rainfall estimates indicated that Rwanda, Burundi, southern Somalia and central and southern Ethiopia also experienced some light to moderate rains of up to 75 mm. Seasonable dry conditions continued to prevail across most of Sudan, eastern Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and northern Somalia, although the rains have advanced into southern Sudan. Overall, there was tremendous improvement in terms of rainfall during this period compared to the previous one. Temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees C above normal across most of Kenya, Tanzania and central Sudan, while over Uganda and northern and southern Sudan they were 1 to 4 degrees C below normal.
March 11-20 2003 - Showers dropped 10 to 75 mm of rain over central and western Ethiopia, according to satellite estimates, allowing some improvement in soil moisture following below-normal rains. Seasonable dry conditions continued to prevail across Sudan and northeast Uganda. Isolated light rains (1-11 mm; 6-142% of normal) dampened northern Kenya while light rains of 3 to 22 mm (6-94% of normal) fell over parts of southwestern and central Kenya. In contrast, abnormally dry weather remained over most of Kenya, which has seen a slow start to the rainy season. Central and southern Uganda experienced scattered light rains of 3 to 48 mm (10-154%). Showers increased in Tanzania, leaving 10 to 50 mm over western and eastern areas, but more rain is needed to offset prior dryness. Far northern Tanzania continued to be abnormally dry, with little or no rainfall. Estimated rainfall totals have also been below normal this month in Rwanda, Burundi and southern Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated scattered showers over southern Somalia while the rest of the country remained seasonably dry. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal across Kenya, Tanzania and central and southern Sudan, while over Uganda and northern Sudan they were 1 to 2 degrees C below normal.
March 1-10 2003 - Seasonable dryness continued to prevail across Sudan, Ethiopia, northern Kenya, and Uganda. However, light and spotty rains (1-4 mm; 7-103% of normal) fell over portions of northern, eastern, and southern Ethiopia. Spotty light rains (5-25 mm -42-51% of normal) also fell over parts of southwestern Kenya, marking the beginning of the long rains in this area, while unseasonable dryness continued to prevail over Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated seasonable dryness over Somalia. Temperatures averaged 2 to 4 degrees C below normal across central Ethiopia. They were 2 to 3 degrees C above normal over Sudan, southwestern Kenya, and northern Tanzania.
February 2003 - Conditions were wet during the first half of February across Tanzania. By contrast, only spotty showers fell across the country during the last half of the month. February rainfall totals across southern and western Tanzania ranged from 68 to 234 mm, which was 63 to 98% of normal. Occasional light showers moved north into southern Kenya. Occasional showers and thunderstorms (10-100 mm) occurred across Uganda and Rwanda, with heavier amounts (100-150 mm) across Burundi. Early “belg” rains produced 10-50 mm of rainfall across the Ethiopean Highlands. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal across Sudan and 2 to 5 degrees Celsius below normal across the Ethiopean Highlands.
February 21-28 2003 - Unseasonably dry conditions prevailed across Tanzania as no significant rainfall was reported across the country. Normal rainfall for the last eight days of February ranged from about 25 mm in the north to about 75 mm in the south. Light showers fell across southwestern parts of Kenya (1-13 mm; 6-50% of normal), with more substantial showers across Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi (2-49 mm). Conditions were seasonably dry across eastern Kenya, Somalia and eastern Ethiopia. Occasional showers (10-50 mm) fell across the Ethiopean Highlands. Showers (5-30 mm) benefited pastures and increased moisture supplies across the Afar region where long term drought conditions persist. Temperatures averaged 3 to 6 degrees Celsius below normal across Ethiopia. By contrast, temperatures across central and southern Sudan were 2 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal.
February 11-20 2003 - Seasonal rains (24-73 mm; 65-159% of normal) increased soil moisture across most of Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Early rains fell across portions of southern Kenya (6-60 mm; 87-565% of normal). Scattered showers (10-30 mm) dampened top soils across southern Uganda. Further north, spotty showers (1-10 mm; 12-89% of normal) fell across the Ethiopean Highlands. Conditions were seasonably dry across Sudan, northern Kenya and Somalia. Temperatures averaged 2 to 5 degrees above normal across Sudan and 2 to 5 degrees below normal across the Ethiopean Highlands. Temperatures were near normal across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
February 1-10 2003 - Heavy rains fell over southern Tanzania, where reports indicated up to 179 mm (223% of normal). Dry weather prevailed from northern Tanzania to Ethiopia, although showers left up to 38 mm on southwestern Kenya. Rainfall amounts were slightly less than expected for this time of year. Temperatures averaged near normal.
January 2003 - Rainfall was mostly below normal across the region, although scattered locations in Kenya and southern Ethiopia picked up above-normal totals. Extreme southern Tanzania did see very wet weather (150-300 mm) due in part to the impact of Cyclone Delfina early in January. Monthly rainfall generally totaled under 25 mm from northern Tanzania northward through Ethiopia. Temperatures were near normal.
January 21-31 2003 - Dry weather (0-5 mm, 0-40% of normal) covered virtually the entire region. Although amounts were 10 to 20 mm below normal in Kenya and northern Tanzania, January is generally a harvest period, so the impact of dryness this time of year is less significant. Temperatures averaged 2 to 4 degrees C above normal in Sudan, but were near normal elsewhere.
January 11-20 2003 - Seasonal rains (8-42 mm; 54-100% of normal) fell across southern and western portions of Tanzania. Seasonably dry conditions prevailed across northeastern Tanzania and Kenya. Satellite estimates indicate 10 to 40 mm of rainfall across Rwanda and Burundi. Spotty light showers (less than 10 mm) fell across Uganda. Showers dampened topsoils across southern portions of Ethiopia while the remainder of Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan remained seasonably dry. Temperatures averaged 3 to 6 degrees below normal across the Ethiopean Highlands. Temperatures averaged 2 to 5 degrees above normal across Sudan.
January 1-10 2003 - Heavy rains (75-150 mm, 120-220% of normal) again covered interior Tanzania, although much less rain fell in the north. Above-normal rains (15-150 mm, 100-600% of normal) fell in central and western Kenya, while seasonably dry weather prevailed in northern and eastern Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Temperatures were near normal.
December 2002 - Above-normal rains covered most of the region, with 100 to 150 mm (140-500% of normal) over southern Ethiopia, western, northern and central Kenya and southern and eastern Uganda. Isolated totals in all three countries reached 200 mm. Varying amounts from 10 to 100 mm were well above normal for southern Somalia, but northern Somalia remained seasonably dry. Thanks to heavy late-month rains, most of Tanzania ended the month with near or above-normal rainfall (100-250 mm, 90-170% of normal). Moderate to heavy rains of 100 to 200 mm covered Burundi, but satellite estimates indicated that western Rwanda may have recorded below-normal rainfall, as totals mostly ranged from 50 to 100 mm. Temperatures were near to slightly below normal.
December 21-31 2002 - Heavy rains (100-200 mm, 150-380% of normal) extended across interior Tanzania, relieving dryness resulting from an extended period of below-normal rainfall. Cyclone Delfina contributed to ample rainfall totals in the south near the end of the month, with satellite estimates indicating as much as 300 mm locally in extreme southern Tanzania. Locally excessive rains hit western Kenya, reportedly leading to some flooding in the Rift Valley. Satellite estimates indicated totals ranging up to 150 mm in isolated locations. Unseasonably heavy showers also hit southern Ethiopia, with amounts in the 25 to 100 mm range. Favorable showers (50-100 mm) spread over Burundi, with somewhat lighter (25-50 mm) amounts in Rwanda. Somalia was seasonably dry. Temperatures generally averaged 2 to 3 degrees C below normal across the region.
December 11-20 2002 - Drier weather returned to Somalia and Kenya, with amounts mostly in the 3-25 mm range (40-100% of normal), but isolated totals reached over 100 mm in western and northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. Rainfall remained light and below normal (1-25 mm, 10-85% of normal) over interior eastern Tanzania, continuing the trend seen in recent few weeks, but heavy rains (75-150 mm, 100-400% of normal) covered most of western Tanzania. Satellite estimates continued to suggest that rainfall was below normal in parts of Rwanda and Burundi, with totals under 25 mm in western areas. Temperatures averaged near normal over the region.
December 1-10 2002 - Heavy showers returned to the Horn, with scattered amounts of 50 to 100 mm (200-400% of normal) in eastern Kenya, southern Somalia, and southern Ethiopia. To the north, little or no rain fell across central, northern, and eastern Ethiopia, as well as northern Somalia. Also, northwestern Kenya, northeastern Uganda and central Tanzania saw light rainfall (0-7 mm, 0-80% of normal), continuing the dry pattern that prevailed last month. Temperatures were mostly near normal in the region, the main exception being Sudan, which saw readings average 2 to 6 degrees C above normal.
November 2002 - Near-normal to above normal rains (77-219 mm; 87-197% of normal) fell over southwestern and southeastern Kenya, eastern Uganda, along the northern coast and locally over central Tanzania. Lighter rains (1-43 mm; 1-44% of normal) fell over northern Kenya, southern Ethiopia, and parts of central Tanzania. Seasonable dryness prevailed over most of Sudan and central Ethiopia. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 50-250 mm over central and southern Somalia, while seasonable dryness prevailed to the north.
November 21-30 2002 - Southwestern Kenya got little relief from the heavy rains of the two previous 10-day periods in November. Rainfall totals in most of Kenya ranged between 2 and 36 mm (9-96% of normal). However, locally extremely heavy rains (185 mm; 420% of normal) pounded parts of southeastern Kenya. Moderate rains (23-51 mm; 87-199% of normal) also fell over southeastern Uganda, while light to moderate rains (8-31 mm; 32-77% of normal) fell over northern and southern Uganda. Dry conditions prevailed over Sudan and most of Ethiopia. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 1-25 mm over southern Somalia, and 10-75 mm over western Tanzania. Dry conditions prevailed over northern Somalia and eastern Tanzania.
November 11-20 2002 - Moderate to heavy rains (24-242 mm; 78-503% of normal) once again soaked southwestern Kenya, central Uganda and the Lake Victoria region. Locally light to moderate rains (6-41 mm; 30-126%) fell along the coast of Kenya and the northern coast of Tanzania, while locally heavy rains (78-91mm; 390-907% of normal) fell over central and on the southern coast of Tanzania. Seasonable dryness prevailed over Sudan, Ethiopia, and northern Somalia, while rainfall diminished in southern Somalia. Temperatures averaged 1 to 4 degrees C above normal over Sudan, and northern Kenya. They were 1 to 4 degrees C below normal over Ethiopia, central Uganda, and southern Tanzania.
November 1-10 2002 - Moisture was sustained across southern Kenya, the Lake Victoria region and central Uganda, as rainfall totals ranged between 28 and 135 mm (99-523% of normal). Moderate to heavy rains (34-204 mm; 96-379% of normal) also soaked the northern coast of Tanzania, and satellite rainfall estimates indicated 25-150 mm over the eastern half of the country. Rainfall estimates ranged between 75 and 250 mm over the southern half of Somalia. Light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) were estimated for southern Ethiopia and southern Sudan, while drier conditions prevailed to the north. Temperatures were near average across the region, except over Sudan, where they were 2 to 3 degrees C above average.
October 2002 - Much above normal rainfall (99- 168 mm; 135- 276% of normal) occurred due to heavy rains during the last half of the month along the Kenya and northern Tanzania coasts. Unseasonably heavy rains (42- 294 mm; 90- 726% of normal) prevailed across southern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania. Seasonal rains (13- 117 mm; 46- 138% of normal) fell across the western portions of the Ethiopian Highlands, southern Ethiopia, central and southern Somalia. Meanwhile, dry conditions prevailed across the eastern Ethiopian Highlands and the Afar region as the dry season sets in.
October 21-31 2002 - Heavy rains along the Kenya and northern Tanzania coasts (95- 146 mm; 154- 822% of normal) resulted in some flooding problems, while moderate-to-heavy rains (25- 152 mm; 58- 320% of normal) increased moisture across southern Kenya. Seasonal showers (10- 92 mm; 38- 184% of normal) prevailed across southern Ethiopia, southern Somalia and northeastern Kenya. Spotty showers fell across northern and central Somalia, while most of northern Ethiopia was dry. Moderate rains (13- 63 mm; 42- 150% of normal) fell across Uganda. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 5 - 25 mm of rain fell across Rwanda and Burundi. Seasonal dryness continues across southern Tanzania. Temperatures across the Ethiopian Highlands and Uganda were 1 to 2 degrees Celsius below normal. Near normal temperatures were observed elsewhere.
October 11-20 2002 - Scattered light to moderate rains (1-32 mm; 24-218% of normal) fell over portions of northeastern Sudan, central and southern Ethiopia. However, most of the northern half of Sudan and the eastern half of Ethiopia remained dry. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated scattered showers across central Somalia and heavy downpours (100-200 mm) over southern Sudan. Dry conditions also prevailed across Kenya and Tanzania, except in the vicinity of the Lake Victoria, where rainfall amounts ranged between 8 and 63 mm (104-118% of normal). Moderate rains also fell over northern and southern Uganda, while drier conditions prevailed in the southeast. Temperature readings averaged 1 to 2 degrees C below normal across the region, except over central and northern Sudan, where they averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal.
October 1-10 2002 - Heavy showers eased dryness in Sudan, with excessive amounts of up to 200 mm falling in extreme southeastern Sudan, according to satellite estimates. In contrast, no rain fell in Eritrea and northern and central Ethiopia, although 10 to 20 mm would be typical for this time of year. Because the start of the rainy season was significantly delayed in this region, the early end of the rains has resulted in a shortened growing season. To the south, however, above-normal showers (10-100 mm; 100 to 400% of normal) covered southern Ethiopia and central Somalia, indicating a good start to the “deyr” rainy season. Above-normal rains also fell over Uganda and extreme western Kenya. Temperatures generally averaged near normal.
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.