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
September 27 – October 3, 2012
Localized moderate to heavy rain was recorded across central Haiti and bordering Dominican Republic during the past week.
Localized moderate to heavy rains (>30mm) were observed across the Artibonite and Centre departments of central Haiti and portions of western Dominican Republic during the past week. For a third consecutive week, the heaviest rains were located across central portions of Hispaniola. The rains have led to slightly above-average thirty-day rainfall totals as well as adequate cropping conditions across central Hispaniola. However, rainfall was light (<10mm) along the Hispaniola coastline including areas in northern Haiti and northwestern Dominican Republic where rains have been below-average. Strong thirty-day rainfall deficits (>100mm) and poor values in several vegetative health indices indicate poor conditions for cropping activities across northern Hispaniola. Ground conditions are also deteriorating across southern Haiti as thirty-day rainfall deficits have deepened over the past several weeks. For the next seven days moderate to locally heavy rainfall (>30mm) is forecast across central Hispaniola. In addition, due to an increase in moist southerly winds, locally heavy rain (>40mm) is forecast across the southern Hispaniola improving ground moisture. Rains in northern Haiti are expected to be light (<15mm) increasing seasonal rainfall deficits.
