FEWS NET Afghanistan Tel: 070.15.60.60 fnajimi@fews.net
FEWS NET Washington 1717 H St NW Washington DC 20006 info@fews.net
FEWS NET is a USAID-funded activity. The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the view of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.
www.fews.net/afghanistan
AFGHANISTAN Weekly Climate Forecast #10, March 11 - 17, 2009
During February, colder temperatures and consistent snowfall increased snow depths throughout the central highlands and northeast mountains. Frequent winter storms have also reduced precipitation deficits near Kabul. As of February 28, precipitation has averaged at or above normal across much of Afghanistan for the 2008-09 winter (Figure 2).
At the beginning of March, a strong storm brought heavy rainfall (25 mm or more) and possible flooding to northwest Afghanistan. Drier weather and well above normal temperatures have returned. During the next week, above normal temperatures should continue. Maximum temperatures will reach the lower 30s (°C) in southwest Afghanistan.
Maximum temperatures should warm above 5 °C in the central highlands where a rapid snow melt can be expected. Although dry weather should prevail, the rapid snow melt may lead to flooding in the central highlands.
Figure 1. Weather hazards in Afghanistan
Figure 2. Precipitation has averaged at or above normal throughout Afghanistan.
Source: FEWS-NET/USGS
Figure 3. Extreme maximum temperature (°C) for March 9 – 15
Source: FEWS -NET/NOAA
