Slow start of rainy season in parts of East Africa
Significantly suppressed and poorly distributed seasonal rainfall since October has negatively affected many countries in southern Africa. Exacerbated by a poor rainfall seasonal performance last year, several consecutive weeks of below-average rainfall has led to reduced water availability, permanently wilted crops, major reductions in planted areas, livestock deaths, and other adverse conditions over many areas. Since late February, consistent average to above-average rainfall has helped mitigate both short-term and long-term moisture deficits.
Many bimodal rain areas in the Gulf of Guinea region have experienced little to rainfall since January, which combined with a poor rainy season last year, has led to quickly developing moisture deficits, dried rivers, and crop losses.