FEWS NET is a USAID-funded activity whose purpose is to provide objective information about food security conditions. Its views are not necessarily reflective of those of USAID or the U.S. Government. The FEWS NET weather hazards outlook process and products include participation by FEWS NET field and home offices, NOAA-CPC, USGS, USDA, NASA, and a number of other national and regional organizations in the countries concerned. Questions or comments about this product may be directed to Wassila.Thiaw@noaa.gov or 1-301-763-8000 x7566. Questions about the USAID FEWSNET activity may be directed to Gary Eilerts, USAID Program Manager for FEWSNET, 1-202- 219-0500 or geilerts@usaid.gov.
Climate Prediction Center’s Hispaniola Hazards Outlook For USAID / FEWS-NET
August 9 – August 15, 2012
Increased rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto not expected to alleviate anomalously dry conditions in Haiti.
During the last seven days, locally moderate to heavy amounts of precipitation were received throughout Hispaniola. The heaviest rains (>50mm) were observed across portions of eastern Dominican Republic, as well as central Haiti. These anomalously high rainfall amounts were associated with increased winds and moisture due to the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto just to south of the island. Despite increased moisture during the last week, much of northern Haiti remains anomalously dry, as many local areas have observed approximately 70% of their normal rainfall accumulation since the beginning of July. In southern Haiti, developing moisture deficits during late July have also been observed, which may be unfavorable for ongoing cropping activities in the region.
For the upcoming outlook period, moderate to locally heavy (30 – 50 mm) rains are expected across the island; with the potential for the heaviest (> 50 mm) rainfall amounts forecast over southern Haiti and central Dominican Republic during the next seven days. With the continued increase in tropical activity in the Atlantic since the beginning of August, transient easterly waves may make an impact over Hispaniola during the latter portion of the outlook period.
