Climate observatory warns of rising heat, cold nights, water stress nationwide.

The bulletin forecasts hotter daytime conditions in many parts of the country alongside persistently dry weather and pockets of minimum temperature drops in northern and highland zones. 

According to the observatory, localities in the Far North, North, Adamawa, Centre, East, South, West, North West, South West and Littoral Regions are likely to experience hotter days, with particular attention drawn to towns such as Maroua, Kousseri, Garoua, Ngaoundere, Yaounde, Bertoua, Kribi, Douala, Bamenda and Bafoussam. 

In contrast, minimum temperatures are projected to fall below historical norms in parts of the Far North, North, Adamawa, Centre, East, South, West and South West regions, bringing cooler nights and early mornings in several localities. 

The bulletin also highlights a continued scarcity of rainfall nationwide during the dekad. The long dry season is forecast to persist in the bimodal rainforest zone of the Centre, East and South regions, the monomodal rainforest zone of the Littoral and South West, the Western Highlands, the Guinea High Savannah of Adamawa, and the Sudano-Sahelian zone in the Far North and North. 

Only sporadic, localised and low-intensity rainfall of generally between 3mm and 25mm is expected in limited areas, notably parts of the South, South West and Littoral regions. 

The observatory identified several risks linked to these conditions. The bulletin projected that in agriculture, soil moisture deficits could lead to tuber hardening and stress on crops in rainforest and savannah zones. 

Health risks include respiratory illnesses linked to dust, potential meningitis cases in the Sudano-Sahelian zone due to heat and dry Harmattan winds, malaria risks in the far south, and thermal discomfort in large cities during warm nights. 

Water and energy sectors may face reduced river flows in basins such as the Benue and Logone, affecting fishing, agriculture and hydroelectric production, while livestock losses could occur due to heat stress and sharp day-night temperature contrasts. 

As part of its recommendations, the observatory urges the public to ensure good hygiene for water and food, maintain well-ventilated homes and drink sufficient water to reduce dehydration risks. 

Livestock owners are advised to aerate farms and work with zootechnical services to monitor animals during the period. Authorities and communities are also encouraged to manage water resources carefully and remain alert to heat-related and climate-linked impacts throughout the dekad.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3664 of Monday January 05, 2025