disaster
World: West Africa Seasonal Monitor: The rainy season continues normally in bimodal areas and expands gradually into the Sahel, June 26, 2026
By Famine Early Warning System Network at ReliefWeb
· July 3, 2026
· 1 min read
. Key Messages The ITF (Intertropical Front) continued its northward ascent and is now north of its climatological position over the region. March through June total rainfall is mostly average to above-average in the bimodal areas of West Africa. The 2026 rainy season is gradually expanding into the
Key takeaway The 2026 rainy season is gradually expanding into the Sahelian band under generally favorable rainfall, while temperatures and rainfall distribution require continued monitoring.
Why this matters
The progression of the rainy season in West Africa has significant implications for the region's food security and humanitarian needs. With the Intertropical Front now north of its typical position, the expansion of rainfall into the Sahel region may bring relief to areas prone to drought, but also poses a risk of flooding and landslides. The average to above-average rainfall in bimodal areas from March to June is a positive indicator for agricultural production, which is crucial for the livelihoods of many communities in the region. However, the forecast of above-normal temperatures and mixed rainfall conditions from July to October suggests that the region may still face challenges related to water scarcity and crop yields. Faith-based organizations and humanitarian groups operating in West Africa should closely monitor these climate trends to effectively plan and respond to potential disasters and food insecurity crises.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: disaster ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . Key Messages The ITF (Intertropical Front) continued its northward ascent and is now north of its climatological position over the region. March through June total rainfall is mostly average to above-average in the bimodal areas of West Africa. The 2026 rainy season is gradually expanding into the
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Famine Early Warning System Network at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .