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 1-301-683-3424. 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
May 9 – May 15, 2013
Below average rainfall expected to continue across many parts of Haiti.
During the last seven days, many parts of Hispaniola received an increase in rainfall compared to previous several weeks. The highest weekly precipitation accumulations (20-40mm) were observed across central Haiti and central Dominican Republic, with lesser amounts observed along the northern and southern coastlines. Since late March, anomalously dry conditions have prevailed over many parts of southern and northeastern Haiti, resulting in increasing rainfall deficits and depleted soil moisture. This has led to the loss of bean crops and water use restriction in southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic, respectively. For the upcoming outlook period, moderate to locally high rainfall accumulations are expected across Haiti, with the potential for locally high rainfall amounts across central Dominican Republic. Areas that are expecting to receive above-average rainfall over Haiti are likely to experience a reduction in moisture deficits that have been developing since March, but it remains unlikely that longer term moisture deficits will be mitigated.
