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
November 10 – November 16, 2011
The reduction in rainfall during the past several weeks has started to negatively affect cropping conditions in Haiti.
With the exception of eastern Dominican Republic, much of Hispaniola received light (< 10 mm) rainfall during the past week. In Haiti, only localized areas over the southern Peninsula and central parts received rainfall exceeding 10 mm, while the remainder of the country observed little to no rainfall during the past week. The consistent light rainfall during the past several weeks has helped to strengthen the rainfall deficits over the northern half of Haiti and bordering Dominican Republic region during the past thirty days.
The accumulated rainfall has accounted for only between 10 and 50 percent of the long-term average in those regions. Meanwhile, the dryness has already impacted vegetation growth over portions of the L’Artibonite department of western Haiti. For the next observation period, a stable air mass is forecast to suppress rainfall over much of Haiti. However, the Sud-Est department could receive moderate (10 – 30 mm) rainfall. The little amount of rains forecast could worsen dryness in many local areas of Haiti.
