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
December 29 – January 4, 2011
Moisture deficits continue in northern Hispaniola and may negatively affect winter cropping activities.
During the past seven days, little to no precipitation was observed throughout Hispaniola. Only light showers (< 5 mm) were observed across northern portions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Rainfall deficits over the past 30 days have strengthened to between 50 and 100 mm which is less than half of Hispaniola’s average rainfall totals. Localized areas in central and northern Hispaniola have observed less than a quarter of their average rainfall since late November. The prolonged dryness in December has occurred immediately following a poor end to summer rains across much of Haiti. The extended dryness has degraded pastoral and agro-pastoral conditions and will likely negatively affect winter cropping across northern Hispaniola. Rainfall forecasts for the next week indicate continued dry conditions across western Hispaniola (< 5 mm) with light to moderate rain showers (5-20 mm) occurring across eastern Dominican Republic.
