Kenya Among Seven Countries to Face Dry Spell and High Temperatures

According to a new climate outlook released by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) on May 19,2026,The Greater Horn of Africa is expected to experience drier weather than usual conditions and warmer temperatures between June and September 2026.

The report warns that many countries in the region are likely to receive below-normal rainfall during the June to September (JJAS) season, which is the main rainy season in several parts of East Africa.

According to the outlook, countries expected to experience below-normal rainfall include South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, much of Eritrea, Sudan, and western and coastal parts of Kenya.

ICPAC said the highest chances of reduced rainfall will be seen in central, northeastern and northwestern Ethiopia, southern Sudan, and northern Uganda.

“The highest likelihood of below-normal rainfall is projected over central, northeastern and northwestern Ethiopia, southern Sudan, and northern Uganda, where probabilities exceed 60%, with peaks reaching up to 80% in northeastern Ethiopia,” the report stated.

However, some areas are expected to receive normal or above-normal rainfall.

These include northern Sudan, southeastern Ethiopia, southern and northern Somalia, as well as southern coastal areas of Somalia and Kenya.

Hotter Weather and High Temperatures Expected Across the Region

The climate outlook also shows that temperatures across most parts of the Greater Horn of Africa are likely to remain above normal during the season.

The highest chances of warmer-than-average conditions are expected in northern Sudan, most parts of South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

ICPAC said the region is likely to experience a dominant warmer-than-usual season, with very low chances of below-normal temperatures.

Also Read: Kenya Met Lists Areas Expected to Receive Rainfall in Third Week of May

Call for Early Action and Preparedness

Regional climate experts have urged governments and communities to use the climate information to prepare early and reduce possible impacts on food security, water supply, livestock, and livelihoods.

The Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD said climate information should lead to action and preparedness.

“Across the region, we are increasingly shifting the conversation from ‘early warning’ to ‘early warning linked to anticipatory action,’ recognising that climate information must ultimately support action and preparedness to make a difference,” the official said.

Also Read: President Samia Pushes for Nuclear Energy Cooperation in Africa

Ethiopia Calls for More Investment in Climate Services

Fetene Teshome, Director General of the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute, called for more investment in climate services and stronger regional cooperation.

“We must continue to invest in and expand systems capable of generating knowledge-based, user-tailored climate information at both the national and regional levels,” he said.

He added that better climate services would help countries in the Greater Horn of Africa improve resilience against changing weather patterns and climate shocks.

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Weather and Climate Outlook Released by IGAD Climate Prediction Centre
PHOTO/IGAD