Somalia Rain Watch

Light to moderate rains fell in most parts of southern and central Somalia between November 11 and 20. In southern and central regions, localized floods were reported in parts of Jowhar District in Middle Shabelle and Kurtunwary District in Lower Shabelle. In the northern regions, most areas recorded little to no rain, with some parts receiving moderate rains in the Hawd, Adun, and Coastal Deeh pastoral livelihood zones. Rainfall in the cowpea belt, Coastal Deeh, and parts of Adun livelihood zones in Galgadud and Mudug Regions, as well as most parts of Hiran Region, has been more consistent. Rain gauges in Harardhere and Hobyo in Mudug Region recorded 12.5 mm and 20 mm of rain, respectively, with three to five rainy days from November 11 to 20. These rains have supported the establishment of cowpea and sorghum crops, improved pasture conditions, and replenished water sources. In the crop-growing regions of the South, rainfall has been reported as near-normal with average coverage. Rain gauge stations in Baidoa, Bardale, Dinsor, and Qansahdhere recorded 95 mm, 25 mm, 49.5 mm, and 173 mm of rainfall, respectively, with four to six rainy days. However, rainfall performance is below normal in parts of Lower and Middle Juba, Hiran, Lower Shabelle, and Gedo Regions. These rains have rejuvenated crops and improved livestock body conditions and production. The current satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) shows poor vegetation levels in most parts of the Juba Valley, the Coastal Deeh livelihood zone in Lower Shabelle, and parts of Gedo, Sool, Sanag, and Awdal Regions due to the effect of late October and early November dry weather. The seven-day weather forecast indicates that most parts of northern regions will experience dry conditions, while most of southern regions will experience light to moderate rains between five and 50 mm.