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
December 22 – December 28, 2011
Moisture deficits in northern Hispaniola may negatively affect winter cropping activities.
During the last observation period, little to no precipitation was observed throughout Hispaniola. The highest seven day rainfall amounts (5-10 mm) were received throughout some local areas in the southern peninsula with lesser amounts received across the central and northern parts of the island. In the last 30 days, much of Hispaniola has received less than half of their normal rainfall accumulation, with many local areas in central and northern Hispaniola observing less than a quarter of their normal rainfall amounts since mid-November. This winter dryness has followed a poor end to summer rainfall season across much of Haiti. Long-term moisture deficits have lead to degraded pastoral and agro-pastoral conditions, and will likely impede winter crop development across parts of northern Hispaniola. Precipitation forecasts suggest another week of suppressed rainfall (<5mm) across the western portion of Hispaniola with light rainfall amounts (5-20mm) expected over eastern Dominican Republic.
