Below-normal rains forecast in east

“Far below normal” rainfall is forecast for the March-May season in eastern parts of the Horn of Africa, according to the Nairobi-based Drought Monitoring Centre. A statement on the findings of a forum held in Tanzania from 9-11 February said there were “enhanced probabilities” for near-normal rainfall conditions over much of the “greater” Horn of Africa. But in most of Somalia, eastern Kenya and southeastern Ethiopia, below-normal rainfall associated largely with ‘La Nina’ weather phenomenon was anticipated over the next three months, while normal to below-normal rainfall was most likely for northern Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti. “In some of these areas, the accumulated rainfall deficits may not be offset even if normal rainfall conditions are experienced,” the statement said.