Climate observatory warns of hotter-than-usual days ahead.

The warning is contained in its latest Dekadal Climate Early Warning Bulletin Nº 243, which covers the period from November 21 to 30, 2025. The bulletin also projects several regions to experience hotter-than-usual conditions. 

In the Far North, Kaele, Waza, and Yagoua are flagged for increases, while in the North Region, Garoua, Rey-Bouba, and Lagdo are among the localities expected to be warm. The Adamawa Region, per the bulletin, will see higher temperatures in Tibati, Kongolo, and Mbakaou. 

Towns in the Centre Region, including Yaounde, Mbalmayo, Bafia, and Nkoteng, is forecast to record above-average maximum temperatures. In the East Region, Mbitom, Batouri, Belabo, and Yokadouma are highlighted while in the South Region, Ambam and Minkoumou are among the hotter spots.

It also predicts rise in temperature in the North West and South West Regions in areas such as Munkep, Ako, Mamfe, Limbe, and Ekok. 

The West Region will see increases in Foumban, Tonga, and Dschang, while the Littoral Region, Douala, Nkongsamba, and Penja, are projected to warm above averages. 

Despite hotter days, the bulletin warns of colder nights in highland zones. Minimum temperatures between 12℃ and 19℃ are expected in the North West, West, and Adamawa regions, particularly in the Guinea High Savannah and Western Highlands. 

Warmer nights, ranging from 19℃ to 26℃, will occur in parts of the Benoue Division, Littoral, and South regions, offering contrasting conditions across the country. 

Rainfall decline, dry season onset

Rainfall is forecast to drop below historical averages in most ecological zones. The Sudano-Sahelian zone in the Far North and North regions will see scarce rainfall. The Guinea High Savannah in Adamawa will record sporadic showers between 5 and 20mm. 

In the Centre and East regions, rainfall will range from 5 to 55mm, with Yaounde, Mbalmayo, and Eseka expected to receive higher totals. The South region may record between 25 and 85mm in Kribi, Sangmelima, and Ambam. 

The Western Highlands in the North West and West regions will see rainfall between 10 and 55mm, while the Monomodal Rain Forest zone in the South West and Littoral regions, including Mamfe, Limbe, Douala, and Nkongsamba, will record between 25 and 85mm. 

The bulletin stressed that this period marks the gradual end of the rainy season in southern Cameroon and the effective onset of the dry season in the Centre, East, Littoral, South West, and Western Highlands. The dry season continues in the Sudano-Sahelian and Guinea High Savannah zones. 

Recommendations

The NOCC bulletin recommends that communities prepare for hotter daytime conditions by ensuring access to safe drinking water and adopting protective measures against heat stress. 

Farmers were advised to adjust agricultural calendars, particularly in regions where rainfall is expected to decline sharply, to avoid crop losses and to prioritise drought-resistant varieties. Livestock owners were encouraged to secure water points and shade for animals to reduce heat-related stress. 

Health services are urged to anticipate potential increases in heat-related illnesses and respiratory conditions, especially in urban centres where rising temperatures may combine with pollution. 

Local authorities are advised to strengthen awareness campaigns on water conservation, safe food storage during hotter conditions, and community-level adaptation strategies. 

The bulletin also highlights the importance of reinforcing early warning systems and disaster preparedness in vulnerable zones, particularly in the Far North and Adamawa regions where rainfall scarcity and temperature extremes could impact livelihoods.

NOCC stressed that proactive measures at household, community, and institutional levels will be essential to mitigate the dual challenge of hotter days and colder nights, alongside shrinking rainfall, as Cameroon transitions deeper into the dry season.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3636 of Tuesday November 25, 2025