Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum Releases June to August Rainfall Statement
30 May 2012: The 31st Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACO 31) concluded with a statement on the June to August rainfall season. The statement indicates an increased likelihood of near normal to above normal rainfall for the June to August rainfall season in areas of the northern sector of the Greater Horn of Africa. For the rest of the Greater Horn of Africa, the June to August period is expected to remain generally dry during the season.
The statement also notes, inter alia, the warming of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean with potential occurrence of neutral to warm event towards the end of the year.
The Forum took place in Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti, from 29-30 May 2012, to formulate a consensus regional climate outlook for the Greater Horn of Africa. The event was organized jointly by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), , which is supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of ICPAC member countries.
The Forum also considered the state of the global climate system and sea surface temperatures over Eastern Atlantic and Indian Ocean areas. [Statement from the Thirty First Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum] [WMO Press Release]