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JUBA - 22 May 2020

Experts predict heavy rainfall in most parts of South Sudan

Experts have predicted heavy rainfall for June, July, August to September (JJAS) season in most parts of South Sudan.

According to a statement issued after the 55th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum, the areas expected to experience above normal rain include Eastern Equatoria, Unity State and northern Upper Nile.

The statement further said western parts of South Sudan will experience below normal rainfall patterns.

The statement also said, compared to 1981-2010 averages, earlier than normal start of the rains is indicated across much of northern Greater Horn of Africa from western Ethiopia to South Sudan.

On the other hand, regions close to the northern-most rainfall boundaries, as well as much of Uganda, are indicated to have delayed rainfall, however in these regions uncertainty in forecast onset is larger because of lack of consistency in model predictions.

The statement said longer than average wet-days with daily rainfall exceeding 20 mm are predicted over parts of western Ethiopia and southern Sudan.

The regional objective climate temperature outlook for the next three months indicates increased likelihood of warmer than normal temperatures over northern and central South Sudan, much of the eastern Greater Horn of Africa including central and southern Ethiopia.

The 55th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum was convened on 18 May by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC).

The Greater Horn of African region comprises of Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.