Global Weather Hazards Summary: November 21-27, 2024

This report discusses the ongoing global weather hazards for the week of November 21-27, 2024, emphasizing extreme rainfall and flooding in Africa, particularly Kenya and Somalia. It also highlights severe conditions in Central America and drying trends in parts of West Africa, necessitating attention to humanitarian impacts and climate adaptation.

The Global Weather Hazards Summary for November 21 to November 27, 2024, indicates continued ENSO-neutral conditions across the globe. Africa has experienced significant rainfall, notably in Kenya, southern Somalia, and Mozambique, while Central America faced extreme precipitation due to Tropical Storm Sara. Flooding conditions have persisted in various parts of Colombia, further compounding the situation in affected regions.

In Africa specifically, heavy rains have prevailed in central and eastern Kenya and southern Somalia, with localized heavy rainfall reported in Mozambique and eastern/northeastern South Africa. The Sudd wetlands in South Sudan remain flooded, although conditions along the upstream White Nile have improved. Northeastern Ethiopia has faced flooding owing to excessive rain, burdening local infrastructures.

Severe flooding has been recorded in Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, northern Sierra Leone, central and southern Mali, Senegal, southern Niger, northern Nigeria, central and southern Chad, and northern Cameroon, albeit with marked improvements in flooding across Nigeria. Conversely, Ghana, central Togo, central Benin, and parts of western Nigeria are grappling with abnormal dryness due to insufficient rains earlier in the year. Areas such as northern Ghana, eastern Nigeria, and parts of Cameroon are similarly affected by drought as a consequence of poor moisture distribution.

Despite rainfall alleviating dryness in eastern Kenya and southern Somalia, these areas continue to experience adverse conditions leading to drought. Northwestern Africa and parts of Madagascar are anticipated to experience unusually high temperatures in the near future, while localized heavy rainfall poses flash flood risks in Angola. Furthermore, the Ituri province in northeastern DR Congo has encountered significant rainfall and flooding resultant from Lake Albert’s overflow since early November.

This report explores the current weather hazards globally for the specified week, with a special focus on Africa and Central America. Weather patterns, including ENSO-neutral conditions impacting rainfall and drought in diverse regions, are highlighted. It addresses the effects of extreme weather, particularly heavy rainfall, and flooding in various countries and how it affects local communities and ecosystems. The summary presents critical information necessary for understanding ongoing environmental challenges and climate impacts across continents.

In summary, the Global Weather Hazards Summary of late November 2024 highlights significant precipitation and flooding events across Africa and Central America amidst ENSO-neutral conditions. While some regions are improving with the cessation of extreme rainfall, others face dryness and adverse climate conditions exacerbating the humanitarian situation. The findings underscore the necessity for continued monitoring and responsive measures to mitigate the impacts of these weather hazards.

Original Source: reliefweb.int