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
March 1 – March 7, 2012
Suppressed rainfall persists over Hispaniola.
For a second consecutive week, suppressed rainfall was observed over Hispaniola. While light (< 10 mm) rainfall was recorded over local areas of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, no rainfall was observed elsewhere. The lack of rainfall over the past several weeks has contributed to thirty-day rainfall deficits in northern Haiti and northwestern Dominican Republic, with anomalies ranging between 20 and 50 mm. During February, Hispaniola climatologically receives rainfall amounts between 20 and 40 mm. However, since the beginning of the month, the dry portions of Hispaniola have received less than 25% of their respective averages, potentially impacting rain-fed winter cropping activities in the region. As for the upcoming week, light (< 20 mm) rainfall is expected to continue across much of Hispaniola. However, moderate (20 - 40 mm) rainfall could fall along coastal areas of the eastern half of the Dominican Republic. The continuation of insufficient rainfall over Hispaniola could lead to reduced winter season crop yields.
