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
February 9 – February 15, 2012
A decrease in rainfall was observed across Hispaniola during the past week.
Light (10 - 20 mm) rainfall was observed across western Dominican Republic and neighboring central Haiti during the past week.
Little (< 10 mm) rainfall, however, fell elsewhere. Although the past seven-day accumulated rainfall was seasonable related to climatology, the total rainfall amounts were reduced related to that during the previous week. This has maintained drought conditions, with thirty-day rainfall deficits between 20 and 50 mm over northern Haiti and northwestern Dominican Republic. The persistent lack of rainfall could negatively impact the winter rain-fed crops in northern Haiti. However, model forecasts suggest a return of light to moderate (10 – 30 mm) rainfall over Hispaniola during the next week, with the heaviest (< 30 mm) rainfall over Haiti and central Dominican Republic. The forecast increase in rainfall is expected to help alleviate dryness and benefit cropping activities in the region during the next week.
