In January 2025, La Niña conditions are influencing global weather, heightening flooding risks in eastern Southern Africa while causing drought in Somalia. Unusual cold is expected in Central Asia. Notably, flooding persists in various African regions, exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall and a tropical cyclone in Madagascar.
A significant La Niña phenomenon is currently affecting the equatorial Pacific Ocean, leading to distinct weather patterns globally. Eastern Southern Africa is experiencing high flooding risks, particularly due to heavy rains. Conversely, southern Colombia suffers from persistent dryness. Additionally, Central Asia is anticipating unusually cold weather conditions in the coming days.
Weather hazards in Africa include heavy rainfall causing flooding in eastern Southern Africa, alongside drought conditions in Somalia due to insufficient precipitation. The Sudd wetlands in South Sudan continue to face inundation. Furthermore, a lack of well-distributed rainfall since last September has resulted in abnormal dryness and drought conditions affecting central and southern Somalia. This drought extends to regions in central Angola, eastern Zambia, Malawi, northern Mozambique, and eastern Madagascar, where conditions have deteriorated significantly.
Higher-than-normal temperatures are anticipated in various regions including southern Mauritania, central and southern Mali, central Kenya, southern Namibia, and both western and central South Africa over the upcoming week. Flooding remains a critical issue in the east-central Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone DIKELEDI has resulted in substantial flooding across northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique. Heavy rainfall over recent weeks led to severe flooding in eastern Botswana and parts of southern and northern Zimbabwe, along with central and eastern South Africa and southern Mozambique; further heavy precipitation is expected in Madagascar, maintaining heightened flooding risks.
The weather patterns in January 2025 are significantly influenced by La Niña conditions, which are known to disrupt typical climate balances. This report outlines the ongoing weather hazards reported across various regions, particularly in Africa, where severe flooding and drought are prevalent. It also highlights the implications of these conditions on agriculture, water resources, and the overall well-being of affected communities, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and potential intervention strategies.
In summary, the La Niña phenomenon is profoundly impacting global weather, especially in Africa with persistent flooding and drought conditions creating significant challenges for several regions. These adverse weather conditions are not only affecting the environment but also the livelihoods of communities dependent on consistent weather patterns for agriculture. Continuous monitoring and effective response strategies are necessary to mitigate the impact of these weather hazards.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
