FEWS NET Afghanistan Tel: 070.15.60.60 fnajimi@fews.net
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www.fews.net/afghanistan
AFGHANISTAN Weekly Climate Forecast #10, March 18 - 24, 2009
During February, colder temperatures and consistent snowfall increased snow depths throughout the central highlands and northeast mountains. Frequent winter storms have also reduced precipitation deficits near Kabul. As of March 10, precipitation has averaged at or above normal across much of Afghanistan for the 2008-09 winter (Figure 2).
Following a strong storm at the beginning of March, drier weather has prevailed. Temperatures have averaged above normal in the lowlands and below normal in the central highlands and northeast mountains. During the next week, above normal temperatures should continue. Occasional snow, heavy at times, should increase snow depths across the northeast mountains. In the central highlands, snow depths are more than 10 cm (Figure 3). Light to moderate rainfall combined with snowmelt associated with maximum temperatures well above freezing may trigger flooding in the central highlands or adjacent areas.
Figure 1. Weather hazards in Afghanistan
Figure 2. Precipitation has averaged at or above normal throughout Afghanistan.
Source: FEWS-NET/USGS
Figure 3. Snow Depth (cm)
Source: FEWS -NET/NOAA