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 assessment 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.
The USAID FEWS NET Weather
Hazards Impacts Assessment for Hispaniola May 12 – May 18, 2011
The insufficient rainfall during the past three weeks has resulted in developing short-term dryness across western and northern Haiti.
During the last seven days, Haiti experienced a significant reduction of rainfall as light to moderate (10-30mm) rains were confined to the southern and local areas in the central departments of Haiti. Little to no rainfall was observed elsewhere in the country. The reduction of rainfall during the past week has led to a developing short-term dryness, with rainfall deficits ranging between 50 and 100mm in the western and northern departments of Haiti during the last thirty days. The dryness has already been reported to affect sowing in the northern and delay planting activities in other departments of Haiti. Rainfall forecast for the next seven days suggests a continuation of light (< 15mm) rainfall across the northern half of Haiti. However, moderate to heavy (30-50mm) rainfall is expected in local areas in the southeastern departments of Haiti during the next week. The poor distribution of rainfall forecast over the next week could further strengthen moisture deficits and deteriorate vegetation conditions in the western and northern portions of Haiti.
