vf-tropicom Meteorological Analysis for East Africa

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Seasonal Vegetation Index

(Note differences in months due to timing of seasons)

Seasonal vegetative index Seasonal vegetative index


Seasonal Rainfall

(Note differences in months due to timing of seasons)

Seasonal rainfall Seasonal rainfall


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Preliminary Monthly Weather Analysis
Eastern Africa and the Horn

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

  • September 2005 - The early showers in the second 10-day period resulted in enhanced rainfall activity over southwestern Kenya as rainfall amounts ranged between 79 and 166 mm (79-206% of normal). Moderate to heavy rains (50-150 mm) fell over the southern and portions of the central areas of Sudan, the Ethiopian western highlands, most of Uganda, the Lake Victoria, and Rwanda. Lighter rains (25-50 mm) fell over Burundi and portions of Eritrea. Dry conditions prevailed over Djibouti, Somalia, eastern Kenya, and most of Tanzania. >
  • September 21-30 2005 - Light rains (1-27 mm; 10-64% of normal) fell across most of central and southern Sudan, except local areas that registered 7-24 mm (102-139% of normal). Sporadic light rains (1-3 mm) fell across southwestern and northeastern Kenya, while dry conditions prevailed across Uganda and along most of the Lake Victoria shore line. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (10-25 mm) across Rwanda and Burundi. The estimates were intense (50-100 mm) across the western Ethiopian Highlands. Light to moderate rains (10-25 mm) fell over portions of southern Eritrea, while dry conditions prevailed to the north. Dry conditions also prevailed across eastern Ethiopia and Somalia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above normal across Kenya.
  • September 11-20 2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (14-136 mm; 107-570% of normal) soaked southwestern Kenya marking an early onset of the short rains in this area. Wet conditions also prevailed in the vicinity of the Lake Victoria with rainfall amounts between 19 and 61 mm (196-274% of normal). Sporadic moderate to heavy rains (174-47 mm; 104-440% of normal) fell over local areas across central Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 10-75 mm across southern Sudan, western Ethiopia, most of Uganda, and Rwanda. Lighter rains fell across Burundi and Djibouti. Dry conditions prevailed across Tanzania, eastern Kenya, Somalia, and eastern Ethiopia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above average across southwestern Kenya.
  • September 1-10 2005 - Rainfall was below average across central Sudan, except some local areas that registered 18-48 mm (92-171% of normal). Wet conditions (20-49 mm; 90-316% of normal) prevailed in the neighboring areas of the Lake Victoria, while light rains (1-17 mm; 2-62% of normal) fell over central Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated seasonable dryness across Tanzania, eastern Kenya, Somalia, and eastern Ethiopia. Rainfall estimates ranged between 10 and 50 mm across central and western Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Temperatures were generally near average across Kenya
  • August 2005 - August rainfall was generally above normal in western and central Sudan, as estimated totals ranged up to 250 mm in western Darfur. Amounts tended to be below normal from southern Sudan into northwestern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. Near normal (70-130 mm) rains fell in western Kenya, while eastern Kenya was seasonably dry, as was Somalia and Tanzania. Temperatures were near normal.
  • August 21-31 2005 - Overall rainfall amounts were close to normal, with lower totals in Sudan and Ethiopia easing the flood threat for the Blue Nile basin in Sudan. Satellite data indicated that some of the heavy rains that hit Chad also affected western Darfur in Sudan, as estimated totals exceeded 75 mm. Most locations in Somalia, southern Ethiopia, and eastern Kenya were seasonably dry. Moderate rainfall of 25 to 50 mm covered western Kenya and northern Uganda. Temperatures across the region were generally near normal.
  • August 11-20 2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (37-86 mm; 93-178% of normal) sustained moisture over crop many areas in central and southern Sudan, including the Darfur region. However, rainfall was light (1-39 mm; 1-58% of normal) in the east central areas of the country. Unseasonably wet weather once again prevailed across southwestern Kenya, where rainfall amounts ranged between 5 and 113mm. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated substantial rains (75-150 mm) across western Ethiopia. Rainfall estimates were lighter and ranged between 10 and 50 mm across northwestern Eritrea, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Dry conditions prevailed over southeastern Eritrea, while seasonable dryness prevailed across Tanzania, northern and eastern Kenya, and Somalia. Temperatures averaged 1 degree above normal across Kenya.
  • August 1-10 2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (68-138 mm; 108-332% of normal) sustained moisture over crop areas in Sudan, including the Darfur region. Unseasonably wet weather prevailed across most Kenya, where rainfall amounts in the southwest ranged between 33 and 71mm. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated substantial rains (50-150 mm) across northern Eritrea and eastern Ethiopia. Rainfall estimates were lighter (10-25 mm) over most of Uganda and Djibouti, while dry conditions prevailed across eastern Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. Temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees C above normal over southwestern Kenya.
  • July 2005 - Sudan’s estimated rainfall generally reached near to above-normal levels, with potentially excessive totals in the northeastern agricultural areas (over 160 percent of normal) and possibly below-normal amounts in northeastern Darfur. Ethiopia and Eritrea saw mostly near normal amounts, while Uganda and Kenya posted generally near to above-normal totals. Temperatures averaged near normal.
  • July 21-31 2005 - Rainfall picked up this period in Sudan, where amounts totaled around 25 to 100 mm (90-125 percent of normal) in the crop areas, according to satellite estimates. To the east, seasonably heavy rains (25-100 mm) fell across central and western Ethiopia. Substantial rains fell across Eritrea, which had been somewhat dry last period. Seasonably dry weather prevailed in southern Ethiopia, Somalia, eastern Kenya, and Tanzania. Above-normal rains, with reports of up to 100 mm or more, fell on western Kenya. Rains were also mainly above normal to the west in Uganda. Temperatures averaged around 2 degrees C above normal in western Kenya and near normal elsewhere.
  • July 11-20 2005 - The wetter pattern seen during early July in Ethiopia continued this period, with satellite-estimated amounts mostly ranging from 50 to 150 mm in central and western portions of the country. These totals are close to expected amounts for this time of the year. To the west, amounts were abnormally light in central Sudan, where estimated totals stayed well under 25 mm (less than 25 percent of normal). Above-normal rains persisted in western Sudan in the Darfur region, where satellite estimates topped 50 mm in some locations. Rains were typical in Kenya for July, varying from 2 to 50 mm in the west and negligible in the east and north. Long-term drought persisted in interior eastern Kenya. Temperatures were near normal.
  • July 1-10 2005 - The rains picked up considerably in Ethiopia, satellite estimates ranging from 50 to over 100 mm (125-200 percent of normal) across central and western areas. In contrast, southern areas remained seasonably dry. Sudan experienced mostly normal to above-normal rainfall while unseasonably heavy rains pelted northern coastal areas of Kenya and extreme southern Somalia. Coastal Kenya registered up to 228 mm, which is more than 10 times normal. Variable rains of 0 to 39 mm (0-239 percent of normal) fell over central and western Kenya, but the long-term drought persisted over interior eastern Kenya. Reported temperatures were generally unremarkable across the region.
  • June 2005 - Seasonal rains were underway across the western highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea. 150 to 350 mm of rain fell over western Tigray, western Ahmara, Beneshangul Gumuz and western Oromiya (80-130% of normal). Rain moved into eastern Ahmara, eastern Tigray and the Eritrean Highlands ahead of schedule. This resulted in a wetter than average June (25-100 mm; 100-250% of normal). However, June was drier than normal across central Oromiya and SNNPR where rainfall was more scattered than usual (25-100 mm; 30-60% of normal). In Sudan, the season started early across Darfur and Kurdufan. Average to above average rainfall occurred across central and most of southern Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicate that 25 to 150 mm of rain fell during June across central and southeastern Sudan, with up to 300+ mm over southwestern Sudan. This is 100 to 200% of normal. However, June rainfall was 200 to 400% of normal across central parts of Darfur and Kurdufan where the 2005 rainy season started early. Further south, rainfall was normal to above normal across southern and western Uganda (30-150 mm; 100-150% of normal). Rainfall was normal to below normal for the month of June across eastern Uganda and southwestern Kenya (8-106 mm; 6-122% of normal). Along the coast of Kenya and northeastern Tanzania, June was dry (4-61 mm; 2-48% of normal). The exception was in Mombassa, where 114 mm of rain fell (119% of normal). Conditions were seasonably dry across interior Tanzania. Temperatures were generally near normal across the Greater Horn for June 2005.
  • June 21-30 2005 - Beneficial seasonal rains fell across western parts of the Ethiopian highlands. Moderate to locally heavy rain fell over western Tigray, western Ahmara, Beneshangul Gumuz and western Oromiya (20-80 mm; 70-120% of normal). These rains extended north into the Eritrean Highlands. Lighter showers were reported over central Oromiya and northern SNNPR (5-20 mm; 50-80% of normal), where short term dryness has become a concern. Seasonably dry conditions were reported over Afar, Somali and southern Oromiya. In Sudan, seasonal rains started 1 to 3 dekads early across southern parts of the Darfur and Kurdufan regions. Seasonal showers produced 10-50 mm of rainfall across central and southern Sudan, with up to 100 mm across southwestern parts of the country. Further south, variable showers fell across Uganda, Lake Victoria and southwestern parts of Kenya (0-58 mm; 0-215% of normal). Spotty light showers fell across northern Kenya, with light rain reported along the Kenya Coast (4-18 mm; 22-91 % of normal). Conditions were seasonably dry over most of Tanzania, Somalia, Rwanda and Burundi. Temperatures across Africa’s Greater Horn were generally near normal.
  • June 11-20 2005 - Beneficial seasonal rains fell across the highlands of western Tigray, western Ahmara, western Oromiya, and Beneshangul Gumuz in Ethiopia (25-100 mm). Beneficial seasonal rains were also observed over the highlands of western Eritrea (10-60 mm). Showers fell across Ethiopia’s southern highlands and across the Ahmar Mountains (1-25 mm). Conditions were seasonably dry over the highlands of eastern Tigray and eastern Ahmara, where seasonal rains typically begin in early to mid July. Across the lower elevations of the Afar region, conditions were also dry. Seasonal rains typically fall across Afar during late July, August and early September. In the pastoral areas of eastern and southern Ethiopia, Somalia and northeastern Kenya, conditions were dry as the dry season is underway. Along the Kenya coast, showers were observed, but rainfall amounts were lighter than normal (15-30 mm, 50-55% of normal). Light to moderate rain fell over southwestern Kenya (18-33 mm; 91-225% of normal), with variable showers in Uganda and those portions of Tanzania adjacent to Lake Victoria (1-33 mm; 1-125% of normal). In Sudan, seasonal rains fell across central and southern portions of the country (20-70 mm). Seasonal rains have started in southern portions of Darfur and Kurdufan, with the ITCZ generally at its climatological position across Sudan. Temperatures across East Africa generally averaged within 2 degrees Celsius of normal.
  • June 1-10 2005 - Rainfall eased in southwest Kenya as spotty light rains (2-33 mm; 54-87% of normal) fell across the area. Dry conditions prevailed in the remainder of the country, except locally along the southern coast, where rainfall amounts ranged between 83 and 87 mm (165-170% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated dry conditions across Tanzania, most of Somalia, and eastern Ethiopia. Rainfall estimates ranged only between 1 and 10 mm across Rwanda, Burundi, the central areas of Uganda and Ethiopia, Djibouti, and eastern Eritrea. They ranged between 10 and 50 mm over western Uganda and portions of central Sudan, including the Darfur area. The heaviest estimates (75-150 mm) were confined to southwestern Sudan and western Ethiopia, once again sustaining moisture on those areas. Temperatures averaged 1 degree C above normal across Kenya.
  • May 2005 - Widespread rains fell over Kenya. The heaviest amounts (113-339 mm; 119-241% of normal) occurred in the southwest, while local areas in the north and southeast received (30-246 mm; 86-260% of normal). However, the coastal areas experienced rainfall deficit with totals between 125 and 282 mm (47-78% of normal). Moderate to heavy rains (69-108 mm; 86-287% of normal) also fell along the Tanzanian coast and along the southern coast line of the Lake Victoria. In contrast, most of Uganda experienced suppressed rainfall activity. Rainfall amounts ranged between 10 and 91 mm (12-67% of normal). The only exceptions were local areas in the northwest, where rainfall amounts ranged between 190 and 200 mm (125-135% of normal). Scattered moderate rains (11-102 mm; 118-544% of normal) fell over parts of central Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy downpours (150-250 mm) across the southern areas of Ethiopia and Sudan. They ranged between 25 and 100 mm over central Sudan, northern and eastern Ethiopia, most of Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Rwanda, and Burundi.
  • May 21-31-2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (46-292 mm; 115-437% of normal) soaked the already wet soils in southwest Kenya and flooding may recur in some local areas. The rains extended westward to cover the Lake Victoria basin and Rwanda. Rainfall amounts in these areas ranged between 32 and 204 mm (94-255% of normal). However, lighter rains (2-15 mm; 19-33% of normal) fell over most of Uganda. Beneficial rains (13-131 mm; 54-302% of normal) fell over the northern and central areas of Kenya as well as along the coast. Unseasonably moderate to heavy rains (26-139 mm; 155-333% of normal) fell over northeastern Tanzania. Light to moderate rains (7-40 mm; 141-385% of normal) marked the onset of the seasonal rains over most areas in central Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy downpours (50-150 mm) across the eastern and southern areas of Ethiopia, sustaining moisture in many parts of the belg area. However, little or no rain prevailed in central and portions of northern Ethiopia, eastern Eritrea, and Djibouti. Light to moderate rains (10-25 mm) fell over western Eritrea, while rainfall estimates ranged between 25 and 75 mm across central and portions of southern Somalia. Lighter rains though, fell over northern Somalia. Temperatures were generally near normal across Kenya.
  • May 11-20 2005 - Light to moderate rains (1-44 mm; 2-57% of normal) relieved previously flooded areas in southwest Kenya. Light to moderate rains (23-58 mm; 24-70% of normal) persisted along coastal Kenya, heavy rains (72-99 mm; 341-766% of normal) fell locally over the southeastern and north central areas. Rainfall also eased across Uganda as showers ranged between 7 and 18 mm (27-35% of normal) across most of the country, except locally heavy rains in the northwest. Moderate to heavy rains (25-164 mm; 87-331% of normal) fell over portions of the northeastern Tanzania and along the northeast coast. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated locally heavy rains (50-150 mm) over portions of southwestern and central Ethiopia, resulting in flooding in some areas. Rainfall estimates were lighter (10-50 mm) across Djibouti, and northern and central Somalia, while dry conditions prevailed over most of the southern areas of Somalia and over Eritrea. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above normal across Kenya.
  • May 1-10 2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (59-106 mm; 81-202% of normal) persisted over southwestern Kenya, resulting in local flooding in the area. Moderate rains (14-72 mm; 84-88% of normal) fell locally over portions of southeastern Kenya, while little or no rain fell in the north and northeastern sectors. Moderate to heavy rains (47-150 mm; 91-261% of normal) also soaked northwestern Uganda and local areas in northwestern Tanzania in the vicinity of the Lake Victoria. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate rains (10-50 mm) across the western half of Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and southern Uganda. The rains extended northward and became heavier (75-150 mm) across northern Uganda, southern Sudan, most of the crop areas of Ethiopia, and the northern tip of Somalia. Rainfall estimates ranged between 1 and 25 mm over central Sudan, most of Somalia, and portions of Djibouti. Dry conditions prevailed across Eritrea, northern Sudan, and the eastern half of Tanzania. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C above normal across the region.
  • April 2005 - Rainfall was below average across most of southwestern Kenya, where rainfall totals ranged between 33 and 123 mm (12-73% of normal). The exceptions were local areas that received beneficial rains (97-161 mm; 80-99% of normal). Beneficial rains (120-167 mm; 84-113% of normal) also fell locally over portions of northern and southeastern Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 25-100 mm over most of Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. Beneficial rains continued to fall over the belg region of Ethiopia, while most of Somalia and Djibouti received 25-50 mm. Seasonal rains returned to southern Sudan, while the north and Eritrea remained dry.
  • April 21-30 2005 - Spotty moderate to heavy rains (47-11 mm; 84-198% of normal) fell over portions of southwestern and northern Kenya and in the vicinity of the Lake Victoria in northwestern Tanzania. Light to moderate rains (1-58 mm; 4-79% of normal) extended from eastern Kenya southward into Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated little or no rain across the southern and central areas of Tanzania and Sudan, most of Eritrea, and the northern tip of Somalia. Rainfall estimates ranged between 10 and 50 mm across Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, most of Somalia, portions of southeastern and north central Ethiopia, and southern Sudan. The estimates were heaviest in the Belg region of Ethiopia and ranged between 50 and 150 mm. Temperature departures averaged 1 to 2 degrees above normal across Kenya.
  • April 11-20 2005 - Rainfall eased substantially across southwest Kenya as amounts ranged between 1 and 33 mm (1-67% of normal). However, locally moderate o heavy rains (20-163 mm; 80-236% of normal) fell over portions of southeast and northeast Kenya, northwestern Tanzania, and Rwanda. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated beneficial rains (50-100 mm) over portions of the belg region of Ethiopia, southern Uganda, and locally over the southern areas of Sudan. Rainfall estimates were lighter and ranged between 1 and 25 mm across most of Somalia, northern Ethiopia, Djibouti, and eastern Eritrea. Dry conditions prevailed across western Eritrea, western Ethiopia, northern and central Sudan. Temperatures averaged 1 to 2 degrees C above normal across Kenya.
  • April 1-10 2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (27-262 mm; 82-600% of normal) continued to fall over southwestern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Moderate rains (31-51 mm; 106-130% of normal) also fell over southeastern Kenya, while the northern sectors received their first rains (2-14 mm; 9-137% of normal) for the season. However, light rains (1-17 mm; 3-26% of normal sustained moisture deficit in most of the central areas. Light rains (6-67 mm; 9-68% of normal) also fell across central Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate to heavy rains (10-75 mm across Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. Dry conditions prevailed across most of Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, the northern and central areas of Somalia and Ethiopia. However, moderate to heavy rains (10-50 mm) returned to some localities in the belg region of Ethiopia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below normal across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
  • March 2005 - Light to moderate rains (1-138 mm; 1-71% of normal) fell over most of southwestern Kenya, except some local areas that registered 149-213 mm; 94-111% of normal). Lighter rains 1-65 mm; 3-78% of normal) fell in the southeast and along the coast, while dry conditions prevailed in the north. Moderate to heavy rains (89-254 mm; 80-147% of normal) spread most of Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated a good start to the rainy season in the Belg and central areas of Ethiopia as moderate to heavy rains (50-150 mm) fell in this region. Rainfall estimates were moderate to heavy (100-200 mm) across Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Seasonable dryness prevailed across Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Sudan.
  • March 21-31 2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (31-119 mm; 96-341% of normal) sustained moisture over southwestern Kenya and northern Tanzania. Light rains (2-18 mm;1-44% of normal) fell over most of central and southeastern Kenya, though locally heavy rains (60-70 mm) fell along the northern coast. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy downpours (75-150 mm) across central and eastern Tanzania. Rainfall estimates were lighter across Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, where they ranged between 10 and 75 mm. Light rains (10-25 mm) eased wetness across central and southern Ethiopia, while seasonable dryness prevailed across eastern Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and most of Sudan. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below normal across Uganda. They were 1 to 2 degrees C above normal across Kenya.
  • March 11-20 2005 - Beneficial rains (22-174 mm; 104-228% of normal) fell over southwestern Kenya and in the vicinity of the Lake Victoria. Moderate rains (20-59 mm; 85-127% of normal) fell locally along the southern coast of Kenya and coastal Tanzania. However, satellite rainfall estimates indicated dry conditions across most of Kenya, while moderate rains (25-75 mm) sustained moisture in the belg region of Ethiopia. The rains extended northward into the northern areas of Ethiopia and Djibouti. Seasonable dryness prevailed across eastern Ethiopia, most of Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan. Rainfall estimates ranged between 25 and 100 mm over Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Temperatures were near average across the region.
  • March 1-10 2005 - After a good start during the previous period, the long rains stalled in southwestern Kenya as spotty light rains (1-16 mm; 3-51% of normal) fell throughout this area. Dry conditions prevailed in the remainder of the country. In contrast, rainfall estimates (10-50 mm) confirmed a good start to the rainy season in southern and central Ethiopia, most of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and northern Tanzania. Rainfall estimates were even heavier (50-100 mm) over most of southern Tanzania. Seasonably dry conditions prevailed over Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Sudan. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above normal across Kenya and Tanzania.
  • February 2005 - Light rains (1-18 mm; 4-65% of normal) fell over most of southwestern Kenya, except locally in the vicinity of the Lake Victoria. Light to moderate rains (6-100 mm; 11-82% of normal) also fell over parts of central and northern Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated seasonable dryness across Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, and northern and eastern Kenya. Rainfall estimates ranged between 25 and 100 mm over most of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
  • February 21-28 2005 - Light to moderate rains (10-43 mm; 86-164% of normal) fell locally over western Kenya. Spotty moderate rains 63-69 mm; 164-216% of normal) also fell locally over portions of central and northwestern Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 10-50 mm across Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, most of Tanzania, and southern Ethiopia, where the short rains have been winding up. However, dry conditions prevailed along the Tanzanian coast, the eastern half of Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Sudan. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below average over southern Kenya. They were 1 to 3 degrees C above average across Tanzania.
  • February 11-20 2005 - Light to moderate rains (1-45 mm; 101-200 % of normal) occurred locally over portions of south central Kenya and central Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated moderate rains 25-75 mm over southern Tanzania. They ranged between 10 and 25 mm over Burundi and locally over southern Somalia. Rainfall estimates for the remainder of the region were below 10 mm showing the persistence of dryness over this region. These areas were Uganda, most parts of Tanzania, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Rwanda, and most parts of Kenya. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above average.
  • February 1-10 2005 - Light to moderate rains (4-26 mm; 12-88 % of normal) fell locally over portions of southwestern Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy rains 75-150 mm along the southern and western borders of Tanzania. Rainfall estimates ranged between 10 and 50 mm over central Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and the southern and central areas of Uganda. Seasonable dryness prevailed across northern Tanzania, most of Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Temperatures generally near average across Kenya and Tanzania.
  • January 2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (44-207 mm; 80-430% normal) fell over portions of southern, eastern and the Lake Victoria areas of Tanzania, eastern and locally central Kenya, and Burundi. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated isolated moderate to heavy rains over central Ethiopia. Seasonable dryness prevailed over Sudan, most of Ethiopia, Somalia, eastern Kenya, and northern Uganda.
  • January 21-31 2005 - Moderate to heavy rains (83-133mm; 267-456% of normal) fell over Burundi and eastern Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 50-150 mm across Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and southern Angola. The estimates ranged between 10 and 50 mm over southern Ethiopia. Seasonal dryness prevailed over Sudan, most of Ethiopia, Somalia, and eastern Kenya. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C above normal over Sudan. They were near normal elsewhere.
  • January 11-20 2005 - Seasonably dry weather continued over Somalia, much of Ethiopia, and the northern parts of Kenya and Uganda. However, moderate to heavy rains (56-142 mm, 80-194% of normal) fell over Rwanda, Burundi and southern Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates show heavy rains of up to 200 mm recorded over Rwanda and southern Tanzania. Long-term drought continued over Kenya and northeastern Tanzania. Temperatures were generally near normal.
  • January 1-10 2005 - Generally dry weather prevailed across Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and coastal Tanzania. Although rainfall typically tapers off early in the year in this region, it is not typical to record no rainfall in early January, and the long-term drought affecting parts of Kenya and adjacent Tanzania continued. Heavy rains exceeding 100 mm, however, hit portions of southwestern Tanzania and Burundi. Temperatures were near normal.
  • December 2004 - Heavy rains (62-444 mm; 96-350% normal) soaked the central and coastal areas of Tanzania and Kenya and the northern parts of Burundi, while light to moderate rains (10-65 mm; 13-70% of normal) fell over central and southern Uganda. Seasonable dryness prevailed over most of Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates showed moderate to heavy rains (50-200 mm) over southwestern Ethiopia and southern Somalia. Rainfall estimates ranged between 100 and 200 mm over Rwanda and Burundi. Seasonable dryness prevailed over eastern and northern Ethiopia, central and northern Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea.
  • December 21-31 2004 - Seasonable dryness continued over Sudan and northern Kenya. However, heavy downpours (55-124 mm; 132-429% of normal) occurred over southwestern Kenya. Moderate to heavy rains (18-126 mm; 96- 466% of normal) fell over the southern parts of Tanzania. Isolated light to moderate rains (10-74 mm; 185-303% of normal) also occurred over Burundi and Uganda. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated the maintenance of dry conditions over Somalia, Eastern Ethiopia, eastern Kenya and Sudan. However, the estimates were locally heavy (75-150 mm) over southwestern Ethiopia. They ranged between 10 and 50 mm over most of Uganda. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C above normal across southern Sudan and eastern Kenya. They were 1 to 4 degrees C below normal elsewhere.
  • December 11-20 2044 - Seasonable dryness continued over much of the northern areas of the Greater Horn of Africa. This includes Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, and the northern areas of Somalia and Ethiopia. Dry conditions also prevailed over the northern sectors of Uganda and Kenya. However, moderate to heavy rains (34-68mm; 82-297% of normal) sustained moisture over southwestern Kenya, while dry conditions prevailed along the coast. Light rains fell across most of northern Tanzania, while heavy downpours (40-143 mm; 108-133% of normal) soaked the southern areas. Moderate to heavy rains (50-70 mm; 87-194% of normal) also fell along the shores of Lake Victoria in Tanzania and Uganda. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated 25-75 mm across Rwanda and Burundi. The estimates were locally heavy over southwestern Ethiopia and ranged between 75 and 150 mm. Dry conditions prevailed across Somalia. Temperatures were generally 1 to 3 degrees C below normal across Uganda and central parts of Sudan. They were 1 to 3 degrees C above normal elsewhere.
  • December 1-10 2004 - Dry conditions persisted over Sudan, CAR, DRC, Ethiopia, and much of Somalia. Light rains (1-18 mm; 6-43% of normal) fell over southwestern Kenya. However, moderate to heavy rains (22-117 mm, 121-549% of normal) fell over southeastern Kenya as well as locally in the central and northeastern areas. Moderate to heavy rains (78-126 mm; 138-437% of normal) also fell along portions of coastal Tanzania and over Rwanda, while light rains fell over interior Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated spotty heavy downpours (75-150 mm) over southern Somalia, and southwestern and eastern Ethiopia. Rainfall estimates ranged between 10 and 75 mm over portions of southern Uganda, and most of Rwanda and Burundi. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C above normal across Sudan and central Kenya. They were 1 to 4 degrees C below normal elsewhere.
  • November 2004 - Moderate to heavy rains (42-293 mm; 103-445% of normal) soaked most of Kenya, central and northern Tanzania. However, most of southwestern Kenya received light rains (23-87 mm; 12-51% of normal). Light to moderate rains (5-84 mm; 6-77% of normal) fell over Uganda, and eastern and western Tanzania. Heavy rains (145-263 mm; 100-264% of normal) also fell locally over portions of Rwanda and eastern Tanzania. In contrast, much lighter amounts (1-25 mm; 32-59% of normal) fell over southern Sudan. Satellite rainfall estimates showed that elsewhere in the region, locally heavy rains (25-200 mm) fell over portions of southern Ethiopia, Somalia, Burundi and northwestern Tanzania. Seasonable dryness prevailed over northern Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti.
  • November 21-30 2004 - Moderate rains (13-95 mm; 132-634% of normal) soaked portions of western, eastern and southeastern Kenya. However, most of southwestern and central Kenya received light rains (2-32 mm; 9-64% of normal). Moderate to heavy rains (21-144 mm; 100-612% of normal) fell over northern and eastern Tanzania. Heavy rains (223 mm; 765% of normal) also fell locally over portions of Rwanda. In contrast, much lighter amounts (3-42 mm; 17-97% of normal) fell over southern Sudan and Uganda. Satellite rainfall estimates showed that elsewhere in the region, locally heavy rains (25-100 mm) fell over portions of southern Ethiopia, southwestern and northeastern areas of Somalia and Burundi. Seasonable dryness prevailed over the northern areas of Sudan and Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Temperatures were generally 1 to 4 degrees C below average across Uganda and 1 degree C below average across Kenya and Tanzania.
  • November 11-20 2004 - Moderate to heavy rains (45-156 mm; 96-187% of normal) soaked portions of northern, central and, southwestern Kenya. However, most of southwestern Kenya, the bread basket of the country, received light rains (4-28 mm; 17-52% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates showed that elsewhere in the region, locally heavy rains (50-100 mm) fell over portions of southwestern Ethiopia, central coastal areas of Somalia, and northwestern Tanzania. Rainfall estimates were lighter (10-50 mm) across Somalia, the southern areas of Ethiopia and Sudan, most of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Seasonable dryness prevailed over the northern areas of Sudan and Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Temperatures were generally 1 to 2 degrees C below average across Kenya and Uganda.
  • November 1-10 2004 - Moderate to heavy rains (17-129 mm) affected western Kenya, southeastern Uganda and northern Tanzania. Light to moderate rains (4-46 mm) fell across most parts of Uganda, eastern Kenya, Rwanda and central Tanzania. Moderate to heavy rains (108 mm) also fell locally over southeastern Kenya. In contrast, much lighter amounts (0-20 mm) fell over southern Sudan. Dryness continued over southern Tanzania. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated light to moderate rains (25-50 mm) over southern Somalia and southern Sudan. The estimates ranged between 25 and 150 mm across eastern Ethiopia. Temperatures averaged near normal except for 2 to 4 degrees C above normal in Sudan and 2 to 3 degrees C below normal in Uganda.
  • October 11-20 2004 - Heavy rains pelted southern Somalia, southern and eastern Ethiopia, eastern and coastal Kenya, and coastal Tanzania. Amounts exceeding 50 mm were common, with totals surpassing 100 mm in several locations. Satellite estimates locally ranged up to 200 mm in northeastern Tanzania, southeastern Kenya, and coastal Somalia. The amounts in these areas generally exceeded 400% of normal, and caused local flooding in such areas as Mombassa in Kenya. In contrast, much lighter amounts (0-10 mm, 0-50% of normal) fell over northern Somalia, the eastern Somali region of Ethiopia, northern Ethiopia, Eritrea, northwestern Kenya, and central and western Tanzania. Although many areas experienced excessive moisture this period, the rains did ease long-term drought in eastern Tanzania and eastern Kenya. Elsewhere, Sudan saw slightly below-normal rains, ranging from near 0 mm in the central crop areas to 10 to 50 mm in the south. Temperatures averaged near normal except for 2 to 4 degrees C above normal in Sudan.
  • October 1-10 2004 - The rainy season is off to a slow start in most of Kenya, northern Tanzania and the Lake Victoria basin. Light to moderate rains (3-24 mm; 18-91% of normal) fell In those areas. Satellite rainfall estimates also indicated dryness across eastern Ethiopia and southern Somalia. However, rainfall estimates were moderate (25-75 mm) across western Ethiopia. They were light (10-25 mm) over portions of northern Somalia and most of southern Sudan. Dry conditions prevailed over Rwanda and Burundi, while light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) covered Uganda. Temperatures were 1 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal over central and southern Sudan with temperatures averaging 1 to 2 degrees Celsius below normal in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
  • September 2004 - Seasonal rains were underway across western Kenya and Rwanda (35-280 mm; 92-293% of normal). Showers had also advanced into northern Kenya and Uganda (26-211 mm). In Sudan, seasonal rains were lighter than average across the central and southern areas (7-52 mm; 6-32% of normal south and 5-105 mm; 13-75% of normal central). Rainfall was also lighter than normal over most of Uganda (3-48mm; 2-33% of normal). Satellite rainfall estimates indicated heavy downpours over portions of western Ethiopia, while seasonable dryness prevailed in the east, as well as across most of Somalia.
  • September 21-30 2004 - Beneficial seasonal rains fell across western areas of Kenya, some of which were locally heavy (10-151 mm; 101-348 % of normal). Beneficial rains also fell over portions of central Uganda (42-81 mm), Rwanda and northern Tanzania (38-84 mm). Seasonal showers fell across east central Sudan (23-45 mm), with a drying trend across portions of central Sudan. Conditions were seasonably dry across most of Tanzania, northern and eastern Kenya. Satellite rainfall estimates indicated that light to moderate rains (10-50 mm) eased wetness over western Ethiopia, while seasonable dryness continued to prevail in the eastern areas of Ethiopia as well as most of Somalia. Rainfall estimates indicated 25-75 mm over Rwanda and Burundi. Temperatures were 1 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal over Sudan with temperatures averaging 1 to 2 degrees Celsius below normal in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
  • 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.

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