East Africa Agroclimate Special Reports provide seasonal analyses, combining observed CHIRPS data up to the latest observed dekad, additional station observations, CHIRPS-GEFS precipitation forecasts, and analog-year based precipitation observations through the remainder of the season. The Seasonal Monitoring and Probability Generator (SMPG) tool is used to compare rainfall data from the start of the season to the current period with long-term averages and historical records from user-selected analog years. The analog years are selected based on the climatology for the area of concern and current climate modes. The SMPG also includes an Outlook Module that simulates and calculates probabilities for the End of Season by completing the season with historical data from the analog years and CHIRPS-GEFS precipitation forecats. 

The East Africa Agroclimate Special Reports benefit from additional rain gauge observations from the Ethiopia Meteorological Institute (EMI), Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), and the Somalia Department of Meteorology. The stations from Kenya include many observations from the new 3D-Printed Automatic Weather Stations (3D-PAWS), produced by KMD with support and advisement from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research’s Innovative Capacity Development Program and the Climate Hazards Center. Each dekad, 90+ additional stations from Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are blended with CHIRPS for up-to-date assessments of rainfall conditions throughout major growing seasons. East Africa Special Reports are made possible by a partnership between the CHC and the Ethiopia Meteorology Institute, Kenya Meteorological Department, the Somalia Department of Meteorology and FAO SWALIM.

Click here to view the latest report

For comments or inquiries, please contact Daniella Alaso at dcalaso@ucsb.edu