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
October 18 – October 24, 2012
Widespread, moderate to heavy rains were observed over Hispaniola during the past week.
Compared to the previous week, more widespread rains were observed over Hispaniola during the past seven days. While the heaviest (> 100 mm) rains were recorded over parts of the Ouest department of Haiti and bordering areas of the Dominican Republic, moderate to heavy (30 – 75 mm) rains fell over the southern and western half of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, respectively. This has helped to partially reduce the accumulated moisture deficits along the northern coasts of Haiti and northwestern Dominican Republic. However, negative rainfall anomalies ranging from -50 to -100 mm remained across much of these regions over the past thirty days. The continuation of uneven distribution of rainfall could strengthen seasonal deficits and potentially reducing crop yields during the current season. During the next week, tropical waves and accompanied atmospheric instability are forecasted to slightly enhance rainfall over Hispaniola, with localized heavy (> 50 mm) showers over local areas of Haiti, the central and eastern parts of the Dominican Republic. Elsewhere, light (< 20 mm) rains are expected during the next week.
