Eastern Africa and the Horn Weather Analysis 2003/2004

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Seasonal Vegetation Index

(Note differences in months due to timing of seasons)

Seasonal vegetative index (These graphs will be finalized at the end of September.)

Seasonal Rainfall

(Note differences in months due to timing of seasons)

Seasonal rainfall (These graphs will be finalized at the end of September.)

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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 2004 - Rainfall deficits prevailed across most the Sahel. Rainfall amounts ranged between 6 and 71 mm (10-72% of normal) over the southern areas of Senegal, Gambia, most of Mali, northern and western Burkina Faso, most of Niger and Chad. However, seasonal rains, some of which were heavy, prevailed across northern Senegal, locally over southern Mali, southwestern Burkina Faso, and locally over western Niger. In the Gulf of Guinea region, moderate to heavy rains (70-279 mm; 86-159% of normal) fell over southern Côte D'Ivoire, and most of Benin. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy downpours (150-400 mm) over the southern half of Nigeria. Rainfall estimates were also heavy (100-200 mm) over portions of eastern Liberia, western Guinea, and most of Guinea Bissau. They ranged between 50 and 150 mm over Sierra Leone, central and eastern Guinea, and the northern areas of Nigeria. >
September 21-30 2004 - Light rains prevailed across most of the Sahel. The largest rainfall deficits occurred in southern Niger, western Mali, and southern Mauritania, where rainfall amounts ranged between 1 and 5 mm (7-49% of normal). Light to moderate rains (12-58 mm; 27-74% of normal) fell across most of Burkina Faso, and western and southern Senegal. However, beneficial rains (32-69 mm; 83-433% of normal) fell across eastern and northeastern portions of Senegal. Moderate to heavy rains (42-81 mm; 86-118% of normal) also fell locally over portions of the southern areas of Mali and Burkina Faso. Beneficial rains also fell over southern Chad (12-110 mm; 83-274% of normal). In the Gulf of Guinea region, isolated moderate to heavy rains (27-480 mm; 95-461% of normal) soaked portions southern Côte D'Ivoire, southern Ghana, southern Togo, and most of Benin. Light to moderate rains (2-65 mm; 2-60% of normal) fell across most of Guinea, eastern Ghana, and northern Togo. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 10-50 mm over most of Sierra Leone and the western half of Liberia. They ranged between 50 and 75 mm over eastern Liberia. Rainfall estimates were extremely heavy (100-200 mm) over portions of southeastern Nigeria, while the estimates ranged between 10 and 25 mm in the northern areas of the country. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above normal over most of Sahel and Gulf of Guinea states. They were 1 to 3 degree C below normal over most of Mauritania and southern Chad.
September 11-20 2004 - Seasonable dryness continued to prevail across most of Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, northern Sudan, most of Kenya, and Tanzania. The dryness also expanded to Rwanda and Burundi, while satellite rainfall estimates indicated light rains (10-25 mm) over Uganda. However, moderate to heavy downpours (25-100 mm) sustained moisture over western Ethiopia, while portions of southwestern Kenya received 21-100 mm (89-316% of normal). Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above normal across the region.
September 1-10 2004 - Seasonable dryness continued to prevail across most of Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, most of Kenya, and the eastern half of Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated that western Ethiopia continued to receive moderate to heavy downpours (25-100 mm), while most of southern Sudan and western Tanzania received 10-50 mm. Rainfall estimates were lighter over Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, where the estimates ranged between 10 and 25 mm. Temperatures were generally near normal over Kenya and Tanzania.
August 2004 - Seasonal rains (70-150 mm; 78-163% of normal) continued over southwestern Kenya, while seasonable dryness prevailed elsewhere in the country. Light rains (3-78 mm; 2-40% of normal) fell across most of east central Sudan. However, isolated moderate to heavy rains (84-228 mm; 89-122% of normal) fell locally over northeastern Sudan and locally in the south central areas. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated that heavy rains (150-300 mm) continued to sustain moisture over the western Ethiopian Highlands and over Southern Sudan. Uganda received 25-100 mm, while seasonable dryness prevailed over most of Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Somalia, and eastern Ethiopia.
August 21-31 2004 - Seasonable dryness continued to prevail across most of Kenya, Somalia, southeastern Ethiopia, and Tanzania. However, isolated showers (29-58 mm; 108-160% of normal) fell in the southwestern part of the country. Light rains (1-14 mm; 3-53% of normal) fell over most of the northern half of Sudan, except locally moderate rains (41-49 mm; 85-233% of normal) in portions of the northern and central areas of the country. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated that heavy downpours (25-100 mm) sustained moisture over western Ethiopia. Rainfall estimates were lighter and ranged between 10 and 50 mm over southern Sudan. They ranged between 25 and 75 mm over Uganda, while dry conditions prevailed over Rwanda and Burundi. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above normal across the region.
August 11-20 2004 - Seasonable dryness continued to prevail across most of Kenya and Tanzania. However, moderate to heavy rains (26-96 mm; 83-228% of normal) fell over portions of southwestern Kenya. Isolated showers also fell along coastal Kenya and Tanzania. Light rains 1-43 mm; 4-65% of normal) fell across central Sudan, including the Darfur region. However, satellite rainfall estimates indicated that heavy rains (50-100 mm) continued to drench western Ethiopia and southern Sudan, raising flood threats in those areas. Rainfall estimates ranged only between 10 and 50 mm over Uganda and northern Eritrea. Dry conditions prevailed over southern Eritrea, Djibouti, most of Somalia, Rwanda, and Burundi. Temperatures were generally near normal, except for Sudan, where they were 1 to 2 degrees C above normal.
August 1-10 2004 -Heavy seasonal rains continued across the highlands of Ethiopia (50-150 mm). Seasonal rains also continued over the highlands of Eritrea (30-60+ mm). Beneficial rains fell in Ethiopia’s Afar region (20-50 mm), with seasonably dry conditions across eastern portions of Ethiopia as well as Somalia. Over Sudan, heavy rains raised concerns over flooding across the southeast (50-150 mm), while seasonal rains were spotty and lighter than normal over eastern portions of the Darfur region and western portions of the Kurdufan region (5-20 mm). Seasonal rains over Uganda (25-50 mm) were lighter than normal across the north and near normal over central and southern parts of the country. In Kenya seasonal showers (22-85 mm; 70-113 % of normal) favored local crops across the southwest, while occasional light showers developed along the coast (~10 mm; 31-52% of normal). Isolated light showers developed across central Kenya (0-6 mm; 10-100% of normal). Seasonably dry conditions prevailed across Tanzania and interior eastern Kenya. Temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal across southern Sudan and western Kenya, with near normal temperatures reported in Tanzania and eastern Kenya.
July 2004 - Seasonal rains were underway across the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea (150-300 mm). Showers had also advanced into the Afar region of Ethiopia (20-60 mm). In Sudan, seasonal rains were lighter than average across the central and southern areas (50-150 mm; 50-100% of normal south and 10-50 mm; 5-50% of normal central). Rainfall was also lighter than normal over the northern two thirds of Uganda (25-100mm; 40-70% of normal). Variable rains prevailed across southwestern Kenya (75-255 mm; 54-385% of normal).
July 21-31 2004 - Beneficial seasonal rains fell across the Ethiopian highlands (50-100 mm), with showers over the Afar region (5-25 mm). Beneficial rains were also observed over the Eritrean highlands (10-80 mm). Unseasonable showers developed over northern parts of the Somali region in Ethiopia as well as northern Somalia (1-15 mm). Seasonal rains fell across southwestern portions of Kenya, some of which were locally heavy (11-61 mm; 56-146 % of normal, locally up to 202 mm and 569% of normal). Occasional showers developed along the Kenya coast (10-22 mm; 28-81 % of normal). Seasonal showers fell across southern Sudan and most of Uganda (20-80 mm), with a drying trend across portions of central Sudan. An unusual southward jog of the ITCZ resulted in dry weather across portions of the Darfur and Kurdufan regions. Conditions were seasonably dry across most of Tanzania, northern and interior eastern Kenya. Temperatures were 1 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal over Sudan with temperatures averaging 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal in Kenya. In West Africa, seasonal rains fell across southern Senegal, southern Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and southern Niger (25-110 mm; 60-135% of normal). Very heavy rains were reported over portions of southern Mali (southern Kayes and western Sikasso regions) as well as the southeastern corner of Senegal (123-250 mm; 121-263% of normal). Heavy rain was also reported over northern portions of Togo and Benin (131-187 mm; 107-165% of normal). By contrast, a drying trend was underway across southern Cote D’Ivoire and southern Ghana (0-23 mm; 0-67% of normal) as the mini dry season continues. Seasonal showers began to advance into the Groundnut Basin in Senegal towards the end of the period (7-60 mm; 15-88% of normal), with showers also moving into extreme southern Mauritania (1-25 mm; 1-49% of normal). Seasonal rains were underway in southern Chad (22-198 mm; 24-287% of normal), with dry conditions across the north. Temperatures across West Africa generally averaged within 2 degrees Celsius of normal.
July 11-20 2004 - Seasonal rains fell over the Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands (20-100 mm). Showers were observed over Ethiopia’s Afar region (10-40 mm) indicating the season may be starting. Unseasonable showers (1-30 mm) developed over northern Somalia, including the drought-stricken Sool Plateau area. Seasonably dry conditions were reported over southern Ethiopia, southern Somalia, northern Kenya and most of Tanzania. Showers were reported along the Kenya and northern Tanzania coast (3-48 mm; 12-206% of normal). An increase in shower activity helped to ease short term dryness over portions of northern Uganda and southwestern Kenya (11-53 mm; 46-226% of normal). Seasonal rains continued over central and southern Sudan, with a start of season indicated over northern portions of West Darfur. Moderate to heavy rain fell across southern West Darfur, South Darfur and southern portions of North Darfur. Temperatures overall averaged near normal across East Africa.
July 1-10 2004 - Dry conditions prevailed across most of the region. However, light rains (1-34 mm; 1-77% of normal) continued to fall over central Sudan and southwestern Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 10-50 mm over southern Darfur in Sudan, while drier conditions prevailed in northern Darfur areas. Rainfall estimates ranged between 10 and 75 mm over the Ethiopian Highlands, with the heaviest estimates confined in the western areas. Temperatures averaged 2 to 3 degrees C above normal across Sudan. They were 1 to 2 degrees C below normal in Kenya.
June 2004 - Unlike the Sahel, seasonal rainfall was slow to start over central Ethiopia and central Sudan. Rainfall totals ranged only between 1 and 31 mm (1-34% of normal). However, isolated moderate to heavy rains (24-117 mm; 96-127% of normal) fell over northeastern Ethiopia and parts of eastern Sudan. Isolated moderate to heavy rains (10-210 mm; 117-140% of normal) also fell along coastal Kenya, while light to moderate rains (2-103 mm; 11-81% of normal) fell across the rest of the country. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (100-200 mm) over the Darfur region of Sudan. The estimates ranged between 25 and 50 mm over southern Somalia and northern Uganda. Seasonable dryness prevailed over Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi.
June 21-30 2004 - Spotty light, but unseasonable rains (2-35 mm) fell over eastern and south central Kenya, and along the coast of Tanzania. Moderate to heavy rains (17-68 mm; 95-229% of normal) fell over east central Sudan, while the Darfur region received 10-50 mm according to satellite rainfall estimates. Lighter than normal rains (10-75 mm) continued over the western areas of Ethiopia and the southern half of Sudan, where rainfall deficits ranged between 5 and 50 mm. Spotty showers (25-75 mm) fell over northern Eritrea, parts of Djibouti, southern Somalia, and eastern Kenya. Seasonable dryness prevailed over most of northern Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Temperatures generally averaged 1 to 2 degrees C below average.
June 11-20 2004 - Lighter than normal amounts of rain fell across the Ethiopian Highlands. Showers (10-60 mm) were observed over western Ahmara, western Oromya, northern SNNPR, Gambella and Beneshangul regions of Ethiopia, with lighter showers (5-20 mm) over Tigray, eastern Ahmara and northeastern Oromiya. Conditions were dry in the Afar and Somali regions of Ethiopia. Spotty showers fell over the highlands of Eritrea (0-10 mm). Conditions were dry in Somalia as well as most of northern and eastern Kenya, however showers and thunderstorms were reported over southwestern Kenya (18-96 mm; 35-231% of normal), with some light showers along the Kenyan coast (4-15 mm; 16-35 % of normal). Dry conditions prevailed over Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda. Seasonal showers fell across the northern 2/3 of Uganda and southeastern Sudan (10-50 mm), with somewhat heavier rains over southwestern Sudan (25-75 mm). In the Darfur region, seasonal showers prevailed across South Darfur and southern portions of West Darfur (5-50 mm). Seasonal rains have yet to begin over northern West Darfur and North Darfur.
June 1-10 2004 - Beneficial showers were observed over the western highlands of Ethiopia and across the Ahmar mountains in the east (10 to locally 100 mm), with some of the heaviest rains over the Beneshangul region and northwestern parts of the Oromiya region. Unfavorably dry conditions persisted across the highlands east of Lake Tana in the Amhara and Tigray regions where the belg rains were lighter than normal with a shorter than normal duration. Seasonably dry, hot conditions prevailed over the lowlands of the Afar region. Further south, occasional showers were reported across Uganda and southwestern Kenya (5-30 mm; 16-104% of normal). Showers helped to ease dryness along portions of the Kenya coast (16-131 mm; 22-194% of normal), although large deficits remain due to an unusually dry May. Conditions were dry across northern Kenya, the pasture lands of Ethiopia and much of Somalia as the March-May rainy season has come to an end. In Sudan, seasonal showers were underway across the central and southern parts of the country (10-75 mm), with some heavy rains over the southwestern corner (75-150 mm). In the troubled Darfur region, seasonal rains are now underway across most of South Darfur, as well as the higher elevations of southern West Darfur. The wet season has yet to start across most of North Darfur and northern West Darfur.
May 2004 - Much depressed rainfall was recorded in almost the entire region during the month. The worst hit areas included northern and eastern Ethiopia, central and southern Somalia, and the eastern half of Kenya. However, isolated areas in northern, western, and central Kenya, as well as central Sudan recorded moderate to heavy rains (34-126 mm; 79-167% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates indicated locally heavy downpours (150-300 mm) over southwestern Ethiopia. The estimates ranged between 50 and 200 mm across southern Sudan and most of Uganda, while dryness prevailed over Rwanda, Burundi, most of Tanzania, Eritrea, and Djibouti.
May 21-31 2004 - Unseasonably dry weather persisted over the northeastern and southern areas of Ethiopia as well as northern and central Kenya. Light to moderate rains (3-52 mm; 15-134% of normal) fell over most of western Kenya. Light rains (1-30 mm; 5-52% of normal) fell over northern Tanzania, while seasonable dryness prevailed in the southern areas of the country. Seasonable dryness prevailed over northern Sudan, while light rains (1-33 mm; 6-227% of normal) fell over the west central areas of the country. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 10-75 mm over western Ethiopia and southwestern Sudan, while dryness persisted over Eritrea, Djibouti, and most of Somalia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above average over northern Sudan. They were near average over southeastern Kenya. They were 1 to 3 degrees C below average over southwestern Kenya, and northern and southern Tanzania.
May 11-20 2004 - Unseasonably dry weather continued to prevail over the northern and eastern areas of Ethiopia. The dryness spread southward to cover most of Kenya and Tanzania. Light rains (3-27 mm; 5-54% of normal) fell over southwestern Kenya and locally over northern Tanzania. The Lake Victoria areas of northern Tanzania received (7-18 mm; 7-75% of normal). This dryness relieved Kenya from the flooding of the last 10-day period. The only exception to this dryness was extreme southwestern Kenya, where locally moderate rainfall totaled 73 mm (117% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated 75-150 mm locally over southwestern Ethiopia. Rainfall estimates ranged between 10 and 150 mm over southern Sudan. Rainfall estimates were lighter (10-25 mm) across Uganda, while dryness prevailed over Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal across the region.
May 1-10 2004 - Heavy rains in April persisted into early May over central and western Kenya. May 1-10 totals ranged from 50 to 111 mm (150-250% of normal) over much of western and central Kenya, with most of the rain falling during May 1-3. Heavy rains (75-100 mm) also extended into northern Uganda and covered portions of southwestern Ethiopia (up to 150 mm), according to satellite estimates. In contrast, unseasonably dry weather (0-10 mm) prevailed over northern and southeastern Ethiopia, eastern Kenya, and much of southern Somalia. The decreased rainfall in Ethiopia and Somalia lessened the threat of river flooding in Somalia. Unseasonably dry weather (0-10 mm) also covered Tanzania and Burundi. Cumulative rainfall since March 1 has been less than 50% of normal in scattered areas extending southward from southern Ethiopia through eastern Kenya into northern and eastern Tanzania. A multi-seasonal drought continues to affect parts of northeastern Tanzania and southern Kenya. Sahelian portions of Sudan remained seasonably dry, while the rainy season remained intact over southern Sudan, as estimated amounts totaled 25 to 75 mm. Temperatures across the region averaged near normal except for above normal (positive departures around 2 degrees C) in east-central Sudan and coastal Kenya.
April 2004 - The rainy season started on time in Somalia in early April, while Ethiopia’s first season rains became widespread this month. For the month, April showed generally near to above-normal rains across the region. Satellite estimates indicated above-normal amounts over central and northern Ethiopia, northern Somalia, and scattered locations in southern Somalia. Excessive amounts (200-300 mm) fell in parts of western Kenya and central and northern Uganda. Estimated totals of 50 to 200 mm ranged from 125 to 200% of normal in southern Sudan. Areas with below-normal amounts were limited to central Somalia, parts of eastern Kenya, and northwestern Tanzania. Temperatures averaged near normal except for above normal in central and east-central Sudan.
April 21-30 2004 - Somewhat drier weather (mostly 10-50 mm of rain) in central and southern Ethiopia may have temporarily reduced the threat of river flooding there and in Somalia this period, although rainfall remained quite heavy in southern Somalia (50-75 mm, isolated 100 mm). In contrast, rainfall was light (under 10 mm) in central Somalia, continuing a month-long trend. Seasonal showers (1-25 mm) fell in northern Somalia and in Eritrea. Rainfall diminished in most parts of Kenya outside of the Lake Victoria region, with amounts mostly ranging from 0 to 35 mm (0-100% of normal). Near the Lake, amounts ranging from around 50 to 160 mm (110-290% of normal) were excessive or nearly so. The dryness in eastern Kenya was likely not a significant problem as this area picked up scattered heavy rains during April 11-20. Generally normal to above-normal rains fell across Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, extreme northwestern Tanzania and southern Sudan. Following the prior period’s abundant rains, this period saw much drier weather across most of Tanzania (0-25 mm, up to 125 mm on the east coast). Temperatures averaged near normal over the region, although readings averaged 2 to 3 degrees C above normal in east-central Sudan.
April 11-20 2004 - Moderate to heavy rains (20-110 mm; 80-320% of normal) fell locally over southern and central Tanzania, across Kenya, central and northeastern Ethiopia. The heaviest rains (80-110 mm; 155-320% of normal) relieved northeastern Kenya from the dryness of the previous 10-day periods. However, light rains (5-17 mm; 6-61% of normal) fell locally over western and southwestern Kenya. Seasonable dryness prevailed over northern and central Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy rains (75-200 mm) over northern Uganda, portions of northern and southern Ethiopia, Djibouti, as well as southern and central Somalia. The estimates for the northern areas of Somalia and eastern Eritrea ranged between 10 and 50 mm. They ranged between 50 and 100 mm from central Uganda southward into Rwanda and Burundi. Seasonable dryness prevailed over western Eritrea. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above average over Sudan and western Tanzania. They were 1 to 2 degrees C below average over northern and coastal Kenya, and over central Tanzania.
April 1-10 2004 - Moderate to heavy rains (29-354 mm; 81-368% of normal) soaked most of Kenya and most of Tanzania. Moderate rains (21-51 mm; 97-327% of normal) fell over north central Ethiopia. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 75-150 mm locally in the belg areas of Ethiopia, southern Sudan, southern Kenya, and northern Uganda. Rainfall estimates ranged between 25 and 75 mm over Rwanda, Burundi, southern Uganda, and southern Somalia. Rainfall estimates were even lighter across Eritrea and Djibouti, while seasonable dryness prevailed over northern Somalia and over northern Sudan. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal across Sudan. They were about 1 to 2 degrees C below normal in the remainder of the region.
March 2004 - The rainy season is off to a slow start in most of Kenya despite an unseasonably wet February. Light rains (8-123 mm; 13-77 % of normal) fell across most of the country, except locally over the western and northern areas, where rainfall amounts ranged between 74 and 110 mm (86-228% of normal). Light to moderate rains (64-162 mm; 52-106% of normal) fell across Tanzania. Light rains also prevailed over most of Ethiopia, except locally in the central areas, where rainfall amounts were about 51 mm (100-116% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 150-250 mm over Rwanda and Burundi. The estimates ranged between 25 and 150 mm over Uganda and southern Sudan. Seasonable dryness prevailed over central and northern Sudan, and over Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti.
March 21-31 2004 - Light to moderate rains (2-42 mm; 3-74% of normal) sustained moisture deficits over most of Kenya and Ethiopia. However, moderate to heavy rains (31-76 mm; 83-364% of normal) fell locally over parts of southwestern, southeastern and northern Kenya, and over parts of central Ethiopia. Moderate to heavy rains (43-128 mm; 94-161% of normal) also fell locally over central Tanzania and along the northern coast. Seasonable dryness prevailed over most of Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy rains (75-150 mm) over western Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda, and locally over southwestern Ethiopia. Rainfall estimates ranged between 10 and 75 mm over Uganda. Seasonable dryness prevailed over Somalia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above normal across Kenya, Sudan, and Tanzania.
March 11- 20 2004 - Light rains persisted over most of Kenya, except in the southwestern, central, and northern areas where isolated thunderstorms dumped 31-70 mm (82-242% of normal). Light to moderate rains (34-96 mm; 96-221% of normal) also fell over portions of central and northern Tanzania. Elsewhere, light rains (1-5 mm; 2-57% of normal) fell across most of Ethiopia, while seasonable dryness prevailed over most of Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 10-50 mm across most of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. However, estimates ranged only between 1 and 10 mm over northern Uganda. Seasonable dryness prevailed over Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Temperatures were near normal over Kenya. They averaged 1 to 3 degrees C below normal over Sudan and parts of Tanzania.
March 1-10 2004 - Light rains (2-35 mm; 5-135% of normal) fell over southwestern Kenya and northwestern Tanzania as the March-May season has just begun. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains across Tanzania, with the heaviest amounts (50-75 mm) in the southwest. Estimates ranged between 10 and 75 mm over Burundi, Rwanda, and most of Uganda. Dry conditions prevailed over northern Uganda, most of Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea. Temperatures were generally 2 to 3 degrees C above average across the region.
February 2004 - Unseasonable rains (69-156 mm; 100-590% of normal) fell over most of Kenya and around Lake Victoria. However, most of Tanzania received below-normal rains (83-204 mm; 49-84% of normal). The exceptions were the northeastern and northwestern parts of the country, where rainfall totals ranged between 71 and 178 mm (84-146% of normal). Rainfall was below normal over southern Ethiopia, while seasonable dryness prevailed in the northern areas. Seasonable dryness also prevailed over most of Sudan and Somalia.
February 21-29 2004 - Unseasonably moderate to heavy rains (37-81 mm; 116-342%) of normal continued to fall over southwestern Kenya. Moderate to heavy rains (16-132 mm; 101-265% of normal) fell over portions of northwestern and central Tanzania, as well as along the northern coast of Tanzania. Isolated light rains fell over southwestern Ethiopia, while little or no rain prevailed in the remainder of the country. Seasonable dryness prevailed across Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-75mm) over Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, while seasonable dryness prevailed over Somalia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average across Tanzania and Kenya. They were 2 to 3 degrees C above average across Sudan.
February 11-20 2004 - Unseasonably light to moderate rains (9-51 mm; 101-159%) of normal continued to fall over southwestern Kenya and in the vicinity of Lake Victoria in Tanzania. Light to moderate rains (5-60 mm; 27-71% of normal) fell across Tanzania. Isolated light rains also fell over southern Ethiopia, while seasonable dryness prevailed over the remainder of Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, and northern Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (1-50 mm) over Burundi, Rwanda, and southern Uganda. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above normal over most areas.
February 1-10 2004 - Unseasonably moderate to heavy rainfall amounts (37-180 mm; 182-817% of normal) were recorded over northwestern Tanzania. Unseasonable rains (14-59 mm; 85-811% of normal) also continued to fall over most of the western half of Kenya northward into southern Ethiopia. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) across Burundi and Rwanda, while seasonable dryness prevailed over much of Uganda, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal over Sudan.
January 2004 - Unseasonable rains (69-156 mm; 100-590% of normal) fell over most of Kenya and around Lake Victoria. However, most of Tanzania received below-normal rains (83-204 mm; 49-84% of normal). The exceptions were the northeastern and northwestern parts of the country, where rainfall totals ranged between 71 and 178 mm (84-146% of normal). Rainfall was below normal over southern Ethiopia, while seasonable dryness prevailed in the northern areas. Seasonable dryness also prevailed over most of Sudan and Somalia.
January 21-31 2004 - Beneficial rains (44-110 mm; 116-355% of normal) continued to fall over portions of eastern and western Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated that moderate to heavy rains (25-150 mm) continued to sustain moisture conditions across this area. Unseasonable rains (28-48 mm; 152-269% of normal) continued to fall over portions of southwestern Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy rains (150 mm) across Burundi, while the estimates suggested moderate to heavy rains (10-150 mm) across Rwanda, Uganda, portions of southern Sudan, and southwestern Ethiopia. Temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal over Sudan and Tanzania. They were 1 to 3 degrees C below normal over most of Ethiopia and southwestern Kenya.
January 11-20 2004 - Beneficial rains (18-75 mm; 85-169% of normal) continued to fall over northeastern Tanzania, and satellite rainfall estimates indicated that moderate to heavy rains (25-150 mm) sustained moisture conditions across this area. Unseasonable rains (8-83 mm; 120-426% of normal) fell over the southern half of Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) over parts of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Seasonable dryness prevailed over Sudan, most of Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Temperatures averaged 1 to 4 degrees C above normal over Sudan, most of Kenya, and northern Tanzania. They were 1 to 4 degrees C below normal over Ethiopia.
January 1-10 2004 - Seasonal rains continued across the unimodal areas of Tanzania (27-61 mm; 59-95% of normal). Heavier rains were indicated by satellite across interior southeastern Tanzania (70-100 mm). Showers and thunderstorms developed across Rwanda and Burundi (25-50 mm). Unusually heavy rains for this time of year prevailed across most of Uganda (20-80 mm). Showers fell on the slopes of the Ethiopia's southwestern highlands (5-30 mm). Seasonably dry conditions prevailed across Sudan, most of Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea. Isolated showers developed across northern Kenya (0-13 mm; 0-137% of normal). Late second season rains helped to increase moisture across southern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania (9-59 mm; 45-413% of normal). Southeastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania are currently in the grips of a severe drought. Temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal across southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, with near normal temperatures across northern Kenya and southern Tanzania.
December 2003 - Unusually dry conditions worsened the drought across north-central Tanzania and much of southeastern Kenya. Some areas observed no significant rainfall. Rainfall was below normal across interior central Tanzania, with seasonable rainfall amounts across southwestern parts of the country. The Meher rains kept going strong well into December across southern Ethiopia and much of Somalia (25-100 mm; 200-1000% of normal), easing dryness in some locations. December was wet across northern Uganda and much of northern Kenya (25-100 mm; 150-500% of normal). Temperatures were near normal across Kenya and Tanzania.
December 21-31 2003 - Rainfall was light and spotty across interior central Tanzania (0-13 mm; 0-21% of normal), raising concerns over short-term dryness. Beneficial showers fell across eastern Tanzania (4-39 mm; 7-113% of normal). Only token improvement, however, was observed in the ongoing severe drought in the area. Beneficial rains (10-50 mm) favored main season crops across southwestern portions of Tanzania. Scattered showers (0-34 mm; 0-129% of normal) developed across southern Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Conditions were seasonably dry across Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and northern Kenya. Temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal across Tanzania and southern Kenya. Average temperatures were 0 to 1 degree below normal across northern Kenya.
December 11-20 2003 - Heavy rains (68-196 mm; 160-304% of normal) favored seasonal crops across interior central and southern Tanzania, where seasonal rains were slow to start. Rainfall was light (2-10 mm; 19-47% of normal) across far northern and eastern portions of Tanzania, where short- and long-term drought continue to worsen. Conditions were seasonably dry across most of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, while satellite rainfall estimates indicate 30-60 mm of rain fell across Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Scattered showers (1-26 mm; 8-79% of normal) prevailed across southern Kenya, while conditions were dry across the north. Temperatures across Kenya and Tanzania were generally near normal.
December 1-10 2003 - Satellite estimates indicated that 100 mm of rain fell over sections of southern Somalia during the 10-day period, with localized totals as great as 150 mm. Parts of southern and eastern Ethiopia saw as much as 75 to 100 mm, and northern Somalia accumulated 25 to 50 mm. These amounts were well above expected totals for this time of year, as they ranged from 50 to 100 mm above the norm in much of southern Somalia and southeastern Ethiopia, and 10 to 50 mm above normal in northern Somalia. The moisture benefited areas in southern and eastern Ethiopia and northern Somalia, including the Sool Plateau, that have been experiencing long-term drought. In southern Somalia, however, the rains were excessive. Totals of 50 to 100 mm (100 to 400% of normal) also relieved dryness in Kenya. In contrast, lighter amounts (4-20 mm, 25-50% of normal) fell from coastal southern Kenya southward through central and eastern Tanzania, allowing drought to persist in the region. Above-normal rains of 25 to 75 mm extended from northwestern Tanzania northward through Rwanda and Burundi to Uganda. Temperatures averaged about 2 degrees C above normal in the dry areas of Tanzania and southeastern Kenya and near normal elsewhere.
November 2003 - Near-to-above normal rains (17-204 mm; 116-294% of normal) fell over southwestern Kenya, and locally over coastal, central and northern Kenya, and southern Sudan. Lighter rains (1-69 mm; 1-74% of normal) fell across Tanzania. This suggests a slow onset of the seasonal rains in this area. However, moderate rains (81mm; 119% of normal) fell locally over southern Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (25-300 mm) over southern Ethiopia, southern Somalia, southern Sudan, most of Uganda, the western half of Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. Dry conditions prevailed over the eastern half of Tanzania and northwestern Kenya, while seasonable dryness prevailed over the northern areas of Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
November 21-30 2003 - Moderate rains continued to fall over southwestern Kenya. Rainfall totals in this area ranged between 31 and 62 mm (79-264% of normal). Isolated moderate rains (46-66 mm; 85-447% of normal) also fell over parts of central and coastal Kenya. However, little rains (3-16 mm; 7-47% of normal) once again prevailed across most of northern and southeastern Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated that seasonal rains persisted over the southern highlands of Ethiopia. Estimates in those areas ranged between 10 and 150 mm. Rainfall estimates were light to moderate over southern Sudan, most of Uganda, and southern Somalia. Dryness continued over the eastern half of Tanzania, while the western half received moderate to heavy rains (10-75 mm). Seasonable dryness prevailed over central and northern Sudan. Temperatures generally averaged 2 to 4 degrees C above normal.
November 11-20 2003 - Seasonal rains continued across the southern highlands of Ethiopia. Spotty showers did little to ease dryness caused by the much lighter than normal short rains across eastern Ethiopia and central Somalia. Tropical Cyclone 02A, which developed off of the Somali coast, produced only light showers across the drought stricken Sool Plateau. More substantial rains occurred across southern Somalia and adjacent portions of northeast Kenya and southern Ethiopia (10-50 mm). Showers favored second season crops across most of Uganda and southwestern Kenya (10-80 mm; 25-120% of normal). Heavy rains in the vicinity of Mt Kenya (152-187 mm; 168-223% of normal) may have caused some local flooding. Northwestern and extreme southeastern Kenya remained dry, raising drought concerns. Most of eastern and northern Tanzania were dry, raising concerns over second season crops. The rest of Tanzania was also dry as the area awaits the onset of the rainy season. Temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal across Sudan and Kenya, while near normal temperatures were reported across most of Tanzania.
November 1-10 2003 - Moisture was sustained across southeastern Kenya as rainfall totals ranged between 22 and 79 mm (82-132% of normal). Locally heavy rains (72-191 mm; 205-382% of normal) soaked portions of northern Kenya and coastal Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated that rains continued across the southern highlands of Ethiopia, southern Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. However, the rainy season is off to a late start in most of Tanzania. Rainfall estimates in those areas ranged between 10 and 150 mm. Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated moderate to heavy rains (50-150 mm) over western Tanzania along the border with DRC and Zambia. They ranged between 10 and 75 mm over southern Somalia. Seasonable dryness prevailed across the northern areas of Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 5 degrees C above average over Tanzania, southern Kenya, and Sudan. They were 1 to 5 degrees C below average over Ethiopia.
October 2003 - With no significant rainfall during the month of October, the dryness across the pasture lands of the Somali region in Ethiopia and across the Bakool, Hiiraan and Gedo Regions of Somalia raised concerns about a possible failure of the short season rains in these regions, which may negatively effect pastures and water supplies. Short season rains have failed across the Sool Plateau in northern Somalia. The lack of rainfall during the September-October season served to worsen the severe multi-year drought. Short season rains late in the month increased moisture and benefited pastures and water supplies in the Bay region of Somalia. Meher rains continued across the Highlands of southern Ethiopia (50-150 mm), while tapering off across the highlands of northern Ethiopia and Eritrea. Rainfall late in the month across southern and eastern Kenya resulted in monthly totals of 17-175 mm (67-399% of normal). Up to 390 mm (198-266% of normal) was reported in the vicinity of Mt. Kenya. Seasonal rains continued across central and southern Sudan (50-150 mm). October rainfall totals ranged from 50-100 mm across Uganda, which were below normal. Seasonal showers prevailed across Rwanda and Burundi. Conditions were dry across most of Tanzania. Temperatures averaged near normal across Kenya and Tanzania.
October 21-31 2003 - Conditions were dry across the pasture lands of the Somali region in Ethiopia and across the Bakool, Hiiraan and Gedo Regions of Somalia. No rainfall occurred across the Sool Plateau in northern Somalia. Short season rains were observed in and around the Bay region of Somalia. Spotty showers occurred across the highlands of Eritrea and northern Ethiopia (<10 mm). Meher rains continued across the southern highlands of Ethiopia, with satellite estimated rainfall amounts of 10 to locally 100 mm. Widespread rains occurred across southern and eastern Kenya. Rainfall amounts ranged from 8 to 79 mm (69-294% of normal) across the area, with higher amounts reported in the vicinity of Mt. Kenya. Moderate to heavy rains soaked coastal Kenya and the southern tip of Somalia (27-162 mm; 59-1000% of normal). Showers continued across southern Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi (10-50 mm). Reports indicate that severe storms resulted in property and crop damage in northern Rwanda. Conditions were seasonably dry across most of Tanzania, except in the northwest corner of the country where shower activity indicated that the wet season may be starting. Temperatures across Kenya and Tanzania were near normal.
October 11-20 2003 - Unseasonably light rainfall covered most of the Horn, but moderate to heavy rains in southwestern and western Ethiopia kept this period from being as dry as the previous period. Amounts mostly varied from 0 to 10 mm (0-50% of normal) over the Ogaden region of southern Ethiopia, all of Somalia, northern and southeastern Kenya and extreme northeastern Tanzania. The minor season rains have been nearly absent so far this year in Somalia, southeastern Ethiopia, and northern and eastern Kenya as well as northeastern Tanzania. Temperatures ranged from 1 to 2 degrees C above normal.
October 1-10 2003 - Dry conditions once again prevailed across most of the region. However, moderate to heavy rains (7-70 mm; 129-170% of normal) eased dryness over parts of southwestern Kenya, although rainfall was light to moderate (4-48 mm; 11-40% of normal) along the border with Uganda. Light rains also fell over pockets of northern Tanzania and parts of central Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated dryness across most of Ethiopia and Somalia. However, there were indications of light to moderate rains (10-75 mm) over western Ethiopia. Rainfall estimates ranged between 10 and 50 mm over most of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above normal across the region, except over Ethiopia, where they were 2 to 6 degrees C below normal.
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.