Climate Data Update January, 2013

Issued: February 22, 2013

During the month of January, the Jilaal dry season prevailed in the country, characterized with  dry winds and relatively hot weather conditions. No rainfall was recorded in the rain-gauge stations countrywide, which is a normal occurrence at this time of the year (Map 1).

Satellite derived Rainfall Estimates (RFE) (Map 2-5) also indicate prevailing dry weather conditions across the country apart from Northwest (W.Galbeed and Togdheer regions) where light Hays rains precipitated in the 3rd dekad of January.

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for January show a significant decrease in vegetation conditions  (Map 6-8; 10). This is especially evident in the southern areas of Bay, Gedo, Shabelles and Jubas, which is attributed to the impact of Jillal dry season and the recent Deyr harvest. Large decrease of biomass is also depicted in Zeylac district of Awdal region (Guban livelihood); pockets of Midlle Shabelle (Central and Southern Agropastoral) and Shabelle Agropastoral of Afgoye (Lower Shabelle); and large areas of  Southern Inland Pastoral in Juba and southern part of Gedo regions.

Following favorable Deyr 2012 rainfall, pasture and water availability is normal in most parts of the country. However, pasture and water conditions have deteriorated in the areas were Deyr 2012 or Hays rains were poor (Zeylac district of Guban pastoral; Nugal Valley; Sool Plateau; north of Gedo and Coastal Deeh of Lower Shabelle and the Jubas).  Livestock body conditions are generally normal in most areas apart from Guban livelihood in the Northwest, where the livestock body conditions are still poor. Opportunistic normal livestock migration in search of better pasture and water is common in most areas.

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