Technical Note on the 2026 Rainy Season in West Africa and the Sahel

For 2026, El Niño should be considered an important risk factor, but not the sole determinant of the rainy season. Conditions observed in the tropical Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean may significantly modulate its influence. The season is expected to be characterized by pronounced regional contrasts, with the likely coexistence of areas exposed to rainfall deficits and areas at risk of flooding. Continuous vigilance and regular forecast updates will be essential throughout the season.

Press Release: Seasonal Forecasts for the Gulf of Guinea Countries 2026

Des cumuls pluviométriques moyens à excédentaires sont attendus sur la période Mars-Avril-Mai (MAM) sur la majeure partie de la zone Sud des pays du Golfe de Guinée, excepté dans certaines localités de l’extrême-Sud, de l’Ouest et du Centre du Nigéria, de l’Est de la Côte d’Ivoire, et du Centre et Sud du Ghana où les cumuls seraient plutôt normaux à déficitaires.

Drought and flooding :

Objectif

Drought diagnosis, flood monitoring, flood forecasting.

Analysis and diagnosis of agronomic and hydrological droughts, forecasting of intra-annual dry spells and dry years, groundwater monitoring, flood and flood risk monitoring, flood forecasting, etc.