Somalia Braces for Drier Deyr Season as Climate Outlook Warns of Rising Risks

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia faces drier-than-normal conditions and hotter temperatures in the coming months, raising fresh concerns for a country already struggling with food insecurity and climate shocks, according to a new forecast.

The outlook, released this week by the Somalia Multi-Stakeholder Climate Outlook Forum, shows most regions are likely to receive below-average rainfall during the Deyr season (October to December).

Jubaland, Southwest, Hirshabelle and Galmudug are most at risk, while parts of Puntland may see near-normal rainfall.

“Warmer-than-average temperatures will worsen soil moisture loss and strain crops and livestock,” the forum said. Southern regions are also expected to see a delayed start to rains, disrupting planting and harvest cycles.

The projections, produced with input from Somalia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), IGAD’s Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), warn of increased food and water shortages, displacement, and competition over scarce resources.

Authorities and aid groups were urged to prepare for worsening humanitarian needs. Farmers and herders were advised to adopt drought-resilient practices, while health agencies were told to be alert to outbreaks of heat-related illnesses and diseases such as malaria.

Rain-fed farming and pastoralism underpin Somalia’s economy, making the Deyr season critical to food security. Past droughts have devastated harvests and livestock, deepening hunger and displacement across the Horn of Africa nation.