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 1-301-683-3424. 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 6 – December 12, 2012
Seasonally light to locally moderate rains received over Haiti during the last week.
During the last observation period, light showers were observed throughout the island. The highest weekly rainfall accumulations (30-50mm) were received across the Santiago department of northwestern Dominican Republic, and along the northern coastline of the Nord and Northeast departments of Haiti, with lighter amounts received further inland. Over the last 30 days, much of the northern coastline of Hispaniola has received above-average rainfall due to torrentially heavy rains that occurred during the first week of November. However, since mid-November rainfall has diminished more rapidly in some areas, which has resulted in marginal moisture deficits throughout parts of the central of southern departments of Haiti. While precipitation typically reaches its minimum during this time of the year, light shower activity in December is still needed to satisfy the development of winter crops throughout Hispaniola. For the upcoming outlook period, a suppression of rainfall is expected for many inland areas of the island;
however the potential for heavy rainfall remains high over northern Hispaniola during the next seven days.
