Seasonably dry conditions prevail, although some scattered rains may have been received locally in the south-east. Plantings of coarse grains will start following the onset of regular rains, which normally begin in July.
Desert Locust swarms appeared from the north near the Moroccan border in early April. There were more than 30 reports of swarms throughout the month by survey teams, locals and travellers. Sizes, densities and general direction of movement were difficult to assess because they were often flying high due to hot temperatures, and some swarms may have been reported several times. One was up to 14 km by 6 km in size. Most of the swarms were immature. Control operations were hampered by weather conditions though 360 ha were treated near Tmeimichat on the 15-16th. During the first half of May, there were ten reports of swarms in Adrar, Tagant and Inchiri. Most of these were flying south. Isolated and low numbers of adults were reported in these regions, primarily south of Atar. During the second half of the month, most of the adults gradually dispersed as there were only three reports of immature swarms in the Adrar region, all still flying south. Elsewhere, a few isolated adults were reported near Atar and Tidjikja . No locusts were found in other places of Adrar and Tagant. Adult groups and a few small swarms will continue to move towards the southern regions where they will mature and lay eggs with the onset of the rainy season. Adults will probably disperse upon arrival and therefore breeding is likely to be scattered over several areas. If rains occur, hatching could commence during the first half of July.
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