Somalia climate and weather data

The International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) project is the most complete global collection of tropical cyclones available. It merges recent and historical tropical cyclone data from multiple agencies to create a unified, publicly available, best-track dataset that improves inter-agency comparisons. Fields available: SID: A unique storm identifier (SID) assigned by IBTrACS algorithm. ISO_TIME: Time of the observation in ISO format (YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm:ss) BASIN: Basin of the current storm position SUBBASIN: Sub-basin of the current storm position NATURE: Type of storm (a combination of the various types from the available sources) NUMBER: Number of the storm for the year (restarts at 1 for each year LAT: Mean position - latitude (a combination of the available positions) LON: Mean position - longitude (a combination of the available positions) WMO_WIND: Maximum sustained wind speed assigned by the responsible WMO agency WMO_PRES: Minimum central pressure assigned by the responsible WMO agency.

Aridity index (AI) is an effective estimator of drought status, and spatiotemporally continuous long-term AI dataset is critical for drought assessment and applications

This layer shows Somalia Districts struck by 2012 TC Murjan. They include, Bossaso, Bandarbeyla, Iskushuban, Garoowe and Eyl District. TC Murjan formed over the south Arabian Sea in association with an active inter tropical convergence zone during last week of October 2012. Moving west-southwestwards, it crossed Somalia coast between 1700 and 1800 UTC of 25th October near lat. 9.80N and long. 50.80E. The system could maintain its intensity of cyclonic storm till landfall, basically due to low to moderate vertical wind shear. TC Murjan caused heavy rainfall and strong wind over Somalia. The storm produced maximum wind speeds of 68.4Km/hr(40.2mph) and rainfall amounts of (100-200)mm. Flash flooding washed away livestock and bridges in the Bari region, causing some fatalities. 100,000 livestock were reported to have died as a result of the storm. After the landfall, due to land interaction, it weakened into a deep depression over coastal Somalia at 1800 UTC of 25th October. It further weakened into a depression over Somalia in the morning of 26th October while moving west-southwest wards

This layer show two Somalia Districts struck by 2015 Tropical Cyclone Chapala, Berbera and Bossaso Districts. On November 2, 2015 TC Chapala entered the Gulf of Aden in Somalia as the strongest tropical cyclone on record. 2015 TC Chapala prduced maximum wind speeds of 130knots. It brought rainfall in Northern Bari Region in Bossaso Districts. The villages struck within the recorded districts include, Baargaal, Bander, Bareeda, Butiyaal, Caluula, Murcanyo, Qandalla, Xaabo, Biycad, Bulahar, Ceelsheik, Shacable, Xaafun. According to a joint inter-agency rapid assessment more than 500 families (4,000 people) were affected by Tropical Cyclones Chapala and Megh, most affected lived in Gardaful Region, Puntland. No human loss of life was reported, but the rainfall and waves destroyed people’s homes, washed fishing boats and nets, killed livestock (an estimated 3,000 sheep and goats, as well as 200 camels) and caused damage/destruction to public infrastructure including hospitals, roads and schools. It was estimated that 4,000 people had been displaced, with 1,129 people being worst affected, having lost their homes and livelihoods (business, fishing boats, engines and nets), which were swept away by waves. It was reported that there had been extensive damage/destruction to people’s livelihoods, with 80 per cent of villages in Alula and 60 per cent of villages in Af Kalahay Bareda, BiyoCade, Boolimoog, Dhurbo, Fagoora, Geesalay, Murcanyo, Murcanyo, Sayn Weyn, Sayn Yar, Toxiin and Xaabo experiencing loss of livestock and damage to crops and fisheries.

This layer shows Somalia Disricts struck by 2013 TC3A. They include, Bossaso, Bandarbeyla, Caluula, Iskushuban, Qandala, Qardho, Garoowe and Eyl District. On 8 November 2013, TC3A formed off the north-east coast of Somalia across the Indian Ocean, moving directly towards the coast of the country during the following days. On November 11, 2013 TC3A struck near the border of the Nugal and Bari regions and caused severe flash flooding. The storm produced a maximum wind speed of 74kph(46mph) and (100-200)mm of rainfall. 2013 TC3A was the deadliest tropical cyclone on record in Somalia, killing more than 162 people. The depression also destroyed over 1,000 houses, displaced tens of thousands of nomads, and killed millions of livestock. It was estimated that overall, 142,380 persons were affected by the disasters, with 8,523 households being worst hit and 1,435 households having lost all their livestock. It was reported that there were approximately 80 deaths mostly of children and the elderly who were most vulnerable to hypothermia and exposure. Makeshift structures for pastoralists were conspicuously absent or just frames, likely destroyed or damaged by high winds and rains. Numerous water sources were flooded, no longer serviceable and or contaminated in some areas. There were unconfirmed disease outbreaks and contamination of water sources from decaying animal remains. Thousands of livestock were reported dead as a consequence of icy rain, which was noted in the aerial assessment. FAO estimated 800,000 livestock were in the affected area. Anecdotal evidence suggested a less than 10 per cent survival rate for livestock in the hardest hit areas.

This layer shows the movement path of 2020 Tropical Cyclone Gati in Somalia. TC Gati originated from the Bay of Bengal and became the strongest ever documented tropical storm to hit Somalia. It made landfall at Ras Hafun (Northeast of Somalia) with maximum sustained winds of 170Km/hr and was classified as a Category 2 storm. Tropical Cyclone Gati was the strongest storm ever recorded in the northern Indian Ocean and wreaked unimaginable damage on people and property. GATI left a trail of destruction across Bari and Sanaag regions of Somalia, disproportionately affecting coastal communities. Authorities estimated about 180,000 people (30,000 households) to have been affected in Puntland Regional State, with 42,000 people (7,000 households) displaced and at least eight people killed and unknown number injured, with considerable damage reported to infrastructure, livelihoods, and social services (telecommunication, electricity, roads, schools). Resultant flooding burst the sewerage system and increased the risk of diseases among the affected population. The worst hit areas were Baargaal, Foocaar, Garduush, Hurdiya, and Xaafuun, Foocaar, Garduush and Garan Hoose were worst hit villages in the Indian Ocean, Bosaso / Qandala in the Gulf of Aden, and Baarmadowe.

Tropical Cyclone 3A was recorded on November 11, 2013 when a deep depression struck near the border of Nugaal and Bari regions and caused severe flash flooding. It was the deadliest tropical cyclone on record in Somalia.It formed off the north-east coast of Somalia across the Indian Ocean, moving directly towards the coast of the country. This cyclone had windspeeds of 74kph(46mph) and was characterized with rainfall amounts between (100-200)mm. The cyclone led to loss of human lives and destruction of assets including livestock and fishing boats. It destroyed numerous settlements, service centers, roads, schools, communication and electrical installations. The most affected areas included, Dangorayo, Bandar Beyla, Garowe and Eyl districts. Impacts can be summarized as follows:  Number of People Affected: 142,380 Number of People worst affected: 8,523 Number of people displaced: 5,000 Number of people injured: 1,435 Number of death:100 Number of lost livestock: 2,746 Crop destroyed:12000ha

2015 TC Megh struck Berbera and Bossaso Districts in Somalia. The storm orignated from the Arabian Sea causing even more rains in parts of Bari region in Puntland and Somaliland. On November 9, 2015 just days after TC Chapala, TC Megh passed 57 km (36 mi) north of Cape Guardafui, Somalia, where it dropped heavy rainfall 300% of the annual average. Eyl reported 160 mm (6.3 in) of rainfall over 24 hours.  The villages hitted in the two districts included, Af Kalahay, Alula, Bareda, BiyoCade, Boolimoog, Dhurbo, Fagoora, Geesalay, Murcanyo, Sayn Weyn, Sayn Yar, Toxin, Xaabo, Baargaal, Bander, Bareeda, Butiyaal, Caluula, Murcanyo, Qandalla, Xaabo and some parts of Xaafun, Biyacad, Bulahar, Ceelsheik and Shacable  TC Megh damaged roads, crops, and schools. Re-estimated population figures after Tropical Megh, showed 4.9 million people were in need of assistance, 308,700 children under-5 were acutely malnourished, of which 55,800 were severely malnourished and 1.1 million remain in a protracted internal displacement situation. Summary of impacts include: People affected: 132,000 People Displace: 3,000 Worst hit people: 800 Destroyed houses: 1,129

This layer shows the movement path of 2012 TC Murjan. The cyclonic storm, Murjan formed over the south Arabian Sea in association with an active inter tropical convergence zone during last week of October 2012. It was the first cyclone over the north Indian Ocean during this year. Moving west southwestwards, it crossed Somalia's coast between 1700 and 1800 UTC of 25th October near lat. 9.80N and 50.80E. Though the Ocean Heat Content was less over the southwest Arabian Sea (50-80 KJ/cm2) and further less near Somalia's coast (less than 50 KJ/cm2) as well as SST (26-280C), the system could maintain its intensity of cyclonic storm till landfall, basically due to low to moderate vertical wind shear.   After the landfall, due to land interaction, it weakened into a deep depression over coastal Somalia at 1800 UTC of 25th October. It further weakened into a depression over Somalia in the morning of 26th October while moving west-southwest wards.

A disturbance which became Tropical Cyclone 05A was first noted on the 7th November,1994 by Significant Tropical Weather Advisory (ABIO) at 9N 54E. It was embedded within a widespread area of convection associated with broad troughing. This layer shows TC05A hitting two Somalia Districts, Bossaso and Eyl, on 20thNovember, 1994. The storm produced a maximum wind speed of 104Km/hr(65mph). The storm's high winds and rainfall  were catastrophic to the districts. It killed 30 people and injured hundreds of others. Several boats and homes were washed away.

Tropical Cyclone Bandu was named after Tropical Storm 02A moving into the Gulf of Aden. This layer shows TC Bandu hitting Bossaso District on May 21, 2010. Bandu had maximum sustained winds near 45 knots (52 mph) and was 50 miles north-northwest of Cape Guardafui, Somalia.  Tropical Storm Bandu resulted in flooding, and displaced approximately 12,000 people in Bari,17000 along Shabelle River and 2,000 people in Jamaame town, Lower Juba Region, as well as Afgooye and Kurtunwaarey districts, Lower Shabelle Region. In response to identified humanitarian needs, the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners provided support for garbage collection and WASH activities. In addition, UNHCR distributed blankets and plastic sheeting to flood-affected residents of Bossaso town, Bari Region.

2019 Tropical Cyclone Pawan struck Eyl and Qurdho Districts in Somalia. TC Pawan was intially named Tropical Storm 06A which originated from northern Indian Ocean. TC Pawan spread its clouds as far northwest as Oman and Yemen on its way to Somalia as observed by NASA Worldview, Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). It made landfall in Somalia on 7th December 2019 on the Coastal side of Puntland. The storm influenced Somalia's weather patterns. Heavy rain and wind gusts of 80 km/h were reported in the region. Somali Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) said some areas in Puntland recorded more than 3 times their long term mean annual rainfall during the storm. Eyl District recorded a total of 260mm in two days. Villages struck by the storm include Dangorayo, Karkaar, Hafun, Iskushuban, Baargaal, Quandala and Alula in Bari Region. 2019 TC Pawan had adverse impacts on Somalia. It was reported that 35,600 households, representing a population of 213,600 people had been affected. 2 people died following floods in Las Qoray (Sanaag Region). Roads connecting the town to the rest of the region were damaged. In central Somalia, River Shabelle flooded displacing over 1,500 people. Summary of impacts according to affected districts: Eyl,Qardho, Qandala: People Affected: 213600 (35600 HH) i.e. pastoralists 15,000 HH, fishing communities 7500 HH, rural-urban settlements 11600 HH including IDPs, farmers 1500 HH Household destroyed: 31500 (5250 households)

2018 Tropical Cyclone Saga struck several districts in Somalia. These include Bai, Lughaye, Zeylac, Laasqoray, Bossaso, Caluula, Iskushuban, Qardho and Garoowe District. TC Sagar originated from Yemen where it had caused flooding and wind damage. On 19 May, 2018 TC Sagar made landfall in north-western Somaliland. It moved with wind gusts of up to 120 km/hour that delivered a year’s worth of rain to some areas that is between 150 and 200mm in some parts of the north.  Villages struck by the storm include Lughaya, Zeila, Baki, Bareeda, Caluula, Murcanyo, Gumbax and Xaabo. On 19 May, TC Sagar made landfall in western Somaliland, impacting close to 170,000 people, mainly in Awdal region. The storm destroyed crops, shelters and social service infrastructure, including water, health, nutrition, and education facilities. The Somaliland authorities estimated 50 people died and seven were still missing. In Somaliland, at least 16 people died in Galbeed and Awdal, where the cyclone made landfall. Three quarters of the livestock were killed along with major damage of water systems and health facilities and 39 schools were damaged or destroyed with a major impact on children.    Summary of the storm's impacts according to districts: Galbeed, Laasqoray, Qardho, Ishkushban, Bossaso, Garowe People displaced: 1,780 families People affected: 669,000 Houses destroyed: 80 families Death: 52 People Injured: 12 Missing persons: 27(Mainland) and 4(Fishermen) Disrupted services: 5 in Bossaso and Garoowe  Bareeda, Caluula, Murcanyo, Gumbax, and some parts of Xaabo People Missing: In Puntland 35 houses, 15 small boats. In Tawakal, 220 improvised houses for IDPS were washed away. 30 boats in Caluula and 20 small boats in Bosaso seaport. In Berber 125 families. In Ceel Sheekh, 15 shelters destroyed. Livestock lost: In Puntland 56 camels, nearly 1,260 goats and sheep and 19 donkeys died.

On October 25, 2012 Cyclonic Storm Murjan struck Bayla District of eastern Somalia, bringing heavy rainfall of over 40 mm (1.6 in) and gusty winds to the country and neighboring Ethiopia. This layer shows the occurence of TC Murjan in Bari Region.  TC Murjan formed over the south Arabian Sea in association with an active inter tropical convergence zone during last week of October 2012. It was the first cyclone over the north Indian Ocean during that year. Moving west southwestwards, it crossed Somalia coast between 1700 and 1800 UTC of 25th October near lat. 9.80N and long. 50.80E.  Though the Ocean Heat Content was less over the southwest Arabian Sea (50-80 KJ/cm2) and further less near Somalia coast (less than 50 KJ/cm2) as well as SST (26-280C), the system could maintain its intensity of cyclonic storm till landfall, basically due to low to moderate vertical wind shear. TC Murjan brougt heavy rainfalls to Somalia. This resulted to flash flooding which washed away livestock and bridges in Bari region, causing some fatalities. A total of 100,000 livestock died. Districts impacted in the region included Bossasso, Ishkushban, Bandar Beyla, Garowe and Eyl Districts.

This layer shows the movement path of Tropical Cyclone 03A. 2013 TC03A formed off the north-east coast of Somalia across the Indian Ocean, moving directly towards the coast of the country in the following days. The storm produced a wind speed of 74 kph (46 mph) and (100-200)mm of rain. It caused heavy rains with flooding and gale force winds in the Somali region of Puntland. The cyclone caused loss of human lives and the destruction of assets including livestock and fishing boats, destroyed numerous settlements, service centers, roads, schools, communication and electrical installations. The most affected areas included, Dangorayo, Bandar Beyla, Garowe and Eyl districts. Other areas affected include the coastal villages in Bari region including Hafun, Iskushuban, Bargal, Qandala and Allula districts.  It was estimated that overall, 142,380 persons were affected by the disasters, with 8,523 households being worst hit and 1,435 households having lost all their livestock. It was also reported that there were approximately 80 deaths mostly of children and the elderly who were most vulnerable to hypothermia and exposure. Makeshift structures for pastoralists were conspicuously absent or just frames, likely destroyed or damaged by high winds and rains. Numerous water sources were flooded, no longer serviceable or contaminated in some areas. There were unconfirmed disease outbreaks and contamination of water sources from decaying animal remains. Thousands of livestock were reported dead as a consequence of icy rain, which was noted in the aerial assessment. FAO estimated 800,000 livestock were in the affected area. Anecdotal evidence suggested a less than 10 per cent survival rate for livestock in the hardest hit areas.

This storm struck Bari province in Somalia on 21 May,2010. The storm dissipated before 24 hours ellapsed because of cooler waters, higher wind shear and drier air in the Gulf of Aden. It curved southwest and made landfall in northeast Somalia.  Bandu was named after Tropical Storm 02A moving into The Gulf of Eden. Bandu had maximum sustained winds near 45 knots (52 mph) and was 50 miles north-northwest of Cape Guardafui, Somalia.  In May 21, 2010 TC Bandu hit Bari Region in northern Somalia resulting in flooding and human displacement. The number of people displaced included; 12000 in Bari,17000 along Shabelle River, 2000 people in Jamaame town, Lower Juba Region, as well as Afgooye and Kurtunwaarey districts, Lower Shabelle Region.  In response to identified humanitarian needs, the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners provided support for garbage collection and WASH activities. In addition, UNHCR distributed blankets and plastic sheeting to flood-affected residents of Bossaso town, Bari Region

This dataset shows the drought situation in Somalia. The year 2015 rainy season experienced El Nino conditions that resulted into good rains in many parts of the country. Despite this, the northern parts of the country are facing drought conditions.

This datasets contains the coverage of automatic Weather Stations (AWS). Eight AWS are strategically located in the northern parts of the country including Hargeysa, Borama, Aburin, Dacarbudhug, Xumbaweyne, Ceerigaabo, Garowe and Gaalckacyo . The nineth AWS is located in the south at the border of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia in Mandera town. It is hoped that when the situation allows more automatic weather stations will be installed in the southern regions. The stations record a variety of weather elements including; rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, wind direction and solar radiation. Data from these automatic stations is received in SWALIM Nairobi office daily in near-real-time through satellite at a frequency of every four hours. The data is then transmitted to the public though a client service platform on the SWALIM website.

On November 2, 2015 Cyclone Chapala entered the Gulf of Aden as the strongest tropical cyclone on record. The storm dropped heavy rainfall in Puntland and Somaliland. This layer shows the occurence of TC Chapala in two Somalia regions: Bari and Woqooyi Galbeed Provinces. TC Chapala first made a landfall in Yemen; however, its effects were also felt across the Gulf of Aden in Somalia where extensive rainfall was experienced in the Northern Bari region in Bosaso district, Puntland. TC Chapala was characterized by heavy rainfall that had adverse impacts in the regions. It resulted to death of over 25,000 animals and left thousands of people homeless, leaving some local nomadic tribes without any food. Impacts recorded included: Number of people affected: up to 80% of the population. Number of people worst hit: 500 families(4000ppl) Number of people displaced: 4000 Livestock destroyed: 3,000 sheep and goats and 200 camels