The first slight rains were registered in the extreme south-east in late May. They progressed in the south and the centre-east in early June. Elsewhere, seasonably dry conditions still prevail. The rainy season normally starts in late June in the north. Land preparation and first wet plantings are now underway in the south.
An immature Desert Locust swarm reached the Senegal River Valley on 5 May at Thikite. It was reported to cover some 800 ha, but was fragmented and of low density. It moved south-west towards Linguère on the following day. On the 8th, two other swarms were reported at Aere Lao and Richard Toll. Surveys were in progress, but no further information was received for the remainder of the month. Adult groups and a few small swarms are expected to persist in the north-west, primarily along the Senegal River Valley, where they will mature and lay eggs with the beginning of the rainy season. Breeding is expected to be on a small scale
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