Yemen in April: Rising Rain Threatens Floods, Heatwave Scorches Coasts
Effects of floods in Yemen. Image source: Independent Arabia
Summary
Central and northern highlands could see significant rainfall exceeding 150mm by month's end, raising flash flood risks in some areas.
Red Sea and Gulf of Aden coasts to experience scorching temperatures, impacting agriculture and livestock.
Sporadic locust swarms are expected along the coasts, with some reaching inland areas receiving rainfall.
Yemen's second ten days of April (April 11th to April 20th) are expected to see a continuation of the rising precipitation trend that began in late March. While most of the country will experience similar rainfall levels compared to the long-term average, some areas in Hadramaut and Al Maharah governorates, particularly the cities of Sayun and Tarim, may see above-average rainfall, potentially leading to flash flooding.
As the "Saif" rainy season progresses, forecasts predict a further increase in precipitation throughout the month. By the end of April, some parts of the central and northern highlands, including the governorates of Ibb, Dhamar, Amran, Hajjah, and Sa'ada, could see rainfall exceeding 150 millimeters.
Authorities are urging residents in low-lying areas, especially those located near riverbeds downstream, to be aware of the heightened risk of landslides due to heavy downpours. Steep areas with inclines exceeding 30 degrees along major roads like Sana'a's Mana-kha, Ibb's Somarah, and Hajjah's Kuhlan are also at increased risk.
Stagnant water caused by heavy rains is expected to create breeding grounds for mosquitoes in lowland and coastal areas. This raises concerns about potential outbreaks of diseases transmitted by these insects.
Along the Red Sea coast (Hajjah, Al Hudaydah, and Taizz) and the Gulf of Aden (Lahj, Aden, and Abyan), scorching temperatures ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius are expected to continue. This heatwave could negatively impact vegetation growth by causing intense depletion of soil moisture. Additionally, livestock may experience reduced milk production and increased susceptibility to diseases and parasites due to the high temperatures.
Sporadic locust swarms are expected to persist throughout the month along the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea coasts, particularly in the eastern regions. Some locust activity is also anticipated further inland, reaching areas like the Hadramaut Valley, Bayhan, Al Hazm, Shabwah, and the northern plateau, where rainfall is predicted. These areas could see a limited spring breeding cycle involving egg-laying, hatching, and hopper development.
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